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Council holds first reading of ordinance to define and restrict electric motorcycles
Summary
On first reading, the council reviewed Ordinance 2839 to define electric motorcycles, restrict their use on sidewalks, parks and trails, require safety equipment and licensing, and align local rules with pending state work on micromobility regulations.
The Enumclaw City Council heard the first reading of Ordinance 2839 on June 22, a proposed municipal code chapter that would define “electric motorcycles,” distinguish them from e-bikes and mopeds, and restrict where and how they may be used within city limits.
The Police Chief gave the staff report, saying electric motorcycles — including high-powered dirt bikes — are increasingly operated on streets, sidewalks and multi-use trails and that the current municipal code does not address them as a distinct category. The chief said complaints include unsafe speeds in residential neighborhoods, operation on sidewalks, and near-miss incidents with pedestrians.
The proposed ordinance would adopt a definition based on power output and speed capability, prohibit operation on sidewalks, parks and multi-use trails unless specifically authorized, require roadway operation to comply with applicable vehicle laws, and establish equipment and operator requirements such as helmets and lighting. It would also provide a range of enforcement options from warnings and citations to impoundment for repeat or egregious cases.
The staff report referenced pending state work: “Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6110” (as stated in the meeting), which will convene a Department of Licensing work group with an October 2027 deliverable. City staff said the ordinance is designed to complement state law and fill local regulatory gaps in the interim.
This was a first reading; councilmembers were reminded the ordinance can be altered at second reading. No council vote on final adoption occurred on June 22. The Police Chief said staff recommends adoption to enhance public safety and enforcement clarity; additional language or scope changes may be proposed before the second reading.
