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Council holds first reading of ordinance to regulate electric motorcycles
Summary
At first reading council heard a staff report that proposed defining 'electric motorcycles' and restricting their use on sidewalks, parks and trails; the measure aims to clarify enforcement and require equipment and operator requirements while coordinating with a state work group.
The Enumclaw City Council held the first reading on Ordinance 2,839 on June 22, proposing a new municipal code chapter to regulate electric motorcycles.
The police chief presented the staff report, saying electric motorcycles — including high-powered electric dirt bikes — are increasingly operated on public streets, sidewalks and multi-use trails and that existing municipal code does not clearly categorize them. The chief said complaints include unsafe speeds in residential neighborhoods, operation on sidewalks and near-miss incidents with pedestrians. “These vehicles are often marketed as recreational or off-road use devices, but are frequently operated on public streets,” the chief stated.
The proposed ordinance would define electric motorcycles and distinguish them from e-bikes and mopeds by power output and speed capability; it would prohibit operation on sidewalks, parks and multi-use trails unless specifically authorized, require helmets and certain lighting and safety equipment for roadway operation, set operator requirements (including a valid driver’s license for roadway use), and create penalties including warnings, citations and vehicle impoundment for repeat or egregious violations.
Staff noted the ordinance is intended to complement — not conflict with — state law. The chief referenced recent state legislation (referred to in the staff report as “gross substitute senate bill 6110”) that establishes a Department of Licensing work group with an October 2027 due date to develop state-level definitions and rules; the city ordinance aims to fill regulatory gaps at the municipal level while that process proceeds.
Because this was a first reading, council made no motion to adopt the ordinance that night. Councilmembers were reminded additional comment is possible at second reading.
Why it matters: council and staff framed the ordinance as a response to community safety complaints and a need for enforcement clarity where state classifications are ambiguous. The measure would give local law enforcement clearer authority to cite or impound vehicles operating in prohibited places.
