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Council holds first reading on electric-motorcycle ordinance to clarify enforcement and safety
Summary
The council heard the first reading of Ordinance No. 2839 to define and regulate high-powered electric motorcycles, including proposed area restrictions, equipment and licensing requirements, and penalties; staff recommended adoption and noted related state work (substitute Senate Bill 6110) directing a Department of Licensing rulemaking by October 2027.
The Enumclaw City Council heard a staff report and held the first reading of Ordinance No. 2839 on June 22, 2026, proposing a new municipal code chapter to define and regulate electric motorcycles.
Chief (speaker 3) told council that high-powered electric motorcycles and recreational electric dirt bikes are increasingly operated on streets, sidewalks and multi-use trails, creating enforcement ambiguity and public-safety risk. "Currently, Enumclaw Municipal Code does not specifically address electric motorcycles as a distinct vehicle category. This regulatory gap creates ambiguity for riders, law enforcement, and the community regarding where and how these vehicles may be lawfully operated," the Chief said.
The staff report explained the proposed ordinance would establish a clear definition distinguishing electric motorcycles from e-bikes and mopeds based on power output, speed capability and design; restrict operation in certain areas (prohibiting sidewalks, parks and multi-use trails unless specifically authorized); require helmets consistent with state law; require lighting and specified safety equipment for roadway operation; require a valid driver's license for roadway operation; allow age restrictions where appropriate; and create a range of enforcement responses from warnings to citations and impoundment for repeat or egregious violations.
The Chief noted the ordinance aims to complement Washington state law and cited recent state action: substitute Senate Bill 6110 directed a Department of Licensing work group to develop state regulations by October 2027, which the staff said informed the city's approach. The proposed municipal language was reviewed by the city attorney's office and was discussed and approved by the Public Safety Committee before tonight's first reading. The ordinance will return for a second reading where councilmembers may propose amendments.
No final action was taken at the first reading; the staff recommended adoption at a subsequent meeting.
