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Council hears first reading of electric-motorcycle ordinance aimed at clarifying rules and safety
Summary
At its June 22 meeting the Enumclaw City Council held the first reading of Ordinance 2839 to define and restrict high-powered electric motorcycles, following a staff report citing complaints about speed, sidewalk use and enforcement gaps; staff recommended adoption at a later reading.
The Enumclaw City Council held the first reading of Ordinance 2839 on June 22, a proposed municipal code chapter to define and regulate electric motorcycles within city limits. The city clerk read the ordinance title; the Chief delivered the staff report outlining public-safety concerns and recommended the city adopt the measure at a future reading.
The Chief said electric motorcycles — including high-powered dirt-bike–style vehicles — are increasingly operated on streets, sidewalks and multi-use trails despite being marketed as off-road devices. "These vehicles are often marketed as recreational or off-road use devices, but are frequently operated on public streets, sidewalks, and multi use trails within city limits," the Chief said, describing complaints of unsafe speeds, sidewalk operation and near-miss incidents with pedestrians.
The proposed ordinance would create a distinct definition for electric motorcycles separate from e-bikes and mopeds based on power output, speed capability and design. It would prohibit operation on sidewalks, parks and multi-use trails unless expressly authorized; require helmets consistent with state law; mandate lighting and safety equipment for roadway operation; and set operator requirements, including a valid driver's license and age restrictions where appropriate. The draft also proposes enforcement tools ranging from warnings to misdemeanor classifications for repeat or egregious violations.
Staff noted that the proposal is designed to complement, not conflict with, state developments. The Chief referenced recent state legislation and a Department of Licensing work group that is expected to begin work on state-level regulations with a due date in October 2027. "This proposed ordinance is designed to complement, not conflict with, state law by addressing areas not clearly defined at the state level," the Chief said. The city attorney has reviewed the draft for statutory consistency, staff added.
The council treated the ordinance as a first reading; no council vote on adoption occurred at the meeting. The Chief said members may add comments at the second reading. The council received no public testimony on the ordinance during the meeting.
The ordinance will return to the council for further consideration; staff recommended adoption at a subsequent reading after any council amendments.
