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Council holds first reading of ordinance to regulate electric motorcycles
Summary
On first reading, staff told the council the proposed Ordinance No. 2839 would define and restrict electric motorcycles (including high‑powered e‑dirt bikes), bar them from sidewalks and trails, require licensing and safety equipment, and create enforcement mechanisms; the ordinance was introduced and staff recommended adoption at later reading.
The Enumclaw City Council held the first reading on June 22 of Ordinance No. 2839, a proposed municipal-code chapter to define and regulate electric motorcycles and similar high‑powered devices.
City staff presented the ordinance title and a staff report explaining that electric motorcycles and high‑powered e‑dirt bikes have increasingly operated on public streets, sidewalks and multi‑use trails, creating enforcement ambiguity and public-safety concerns. The Chief (S11) said Enumclaw’s current municipal code does not explicitly classify these vehicles and that the proposed ordinance would distinguish electric motorcycles from e‑bikes and mopeds based on power, speed and design.
The staff report described proposed restrictions and requirements: prohibiting operation on sidewalks, parks and multi‑use trails unless specifically authorized; permitting roadway operation only when vehicles meet applicable vehicle laws; requiring helmets consistent with state law; imposing minimum lighting and safety equipment for roadway use; setting operator requirements such as a valid driver’s license and age limitations where appropriate; and providing a range of enforcement outcomes including warnings, citations, impoundment and misdemeanor classifications for repeat or egregious violations. Staff recommended the council adopt the new municipal code chapter to enhance safety and clarify enforcement.
The Chief referenced recent state legislative activity and a Department of Licensing work group scheduled by state law with an October 2027 due date for state regulation work; the staff report indicated the city’s ordinance is intended to complement, not conflict with, state law.
This was a first reading; councilmembers were invited to offer comments at the second reading. No final action was taken tonight.
