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Enumclaw holds first reading of ordinance to regulate electric motorcycles
Summary
At first reading, staff told the council the proposed ordinance would define electric motorcycles (separate from e-bikes), restrict sidewalk and trail operation, require safety equipment and operator licensing, and provide enforcement tools; the council did not adopt the ordinance on first reading.
City staff presented the first reading of Ordinance No. 2839 on June 22, proposing a new municipal-code chapter to regulate electric motorcycles.
The city clerk read the ordinance title by request of the council. The chief (staff presenter) told the council that "electric motorcycles, including high powered electric dirt bikes and similar vehicles, have become increasingly popular in recent years" and that many are being operated on public streets, sidewalks, and multi-use trails. The chief said Enumclaw's municipal code does not currently distinguish electric motorcycles from e-bikes and mopeds, which creates ambiguity for riders and law enforcement.
Staff described the proposed ordinance's major elements: a clear definition of electric motorcycles distinguishing them by power output, speed capability and design; limits on use areas (prohibiting operation on sidewalks, parks and multi-use trails unless specifically authorized); requirements for safety equipment and lighting; helmet requirements consistent with state law; minimum safety standards for vehicles operated on public streets; operator requirements including a valid driver's license for roadway operation and age restrictions where appropriate; and a range of enforcement responses from warnings to citations and impoundment for repeat or egregious violations. The presenter said the city's attorney had reviewed the language to help ensure consistency with applicable statutes.
Staff noted the ordinance is intended to complement state law and referenced recent state-level action: "The passage of gross substitute Senate Bill 6110 has established a need for a Department of Licensing work group to commence working on state regulations for electric motorcycles with a due date of October 2027," the presenter said. The presenter also told the council that the Public Safety committee had discussed and approved the ordinance language prior to tonight's reading.
This was a first reading; the council did not take a final vote to adopt the ordinance on June 22. Councilmembers were told the ordinance language can be refined before a subsequent reading.
