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Council holds first reading of electric‑motorcycle ordinance to clarify enforcement
Summary
At first reading the council heard staff say Ordinance No. 2839 would create a new Enumclaw code chapter defining electric motorcycles, prohibit their use on sidewalks and trails, set safety and operator requirements, and establish penalties while aligning with pending state rulemaking.
The Enumclaw City Council held a first reading on June 22 of Ordinance No. 2839, which would add a new municipal code chapter to define and regulate electric motorcycles.
City staff described the regulatory gap: high‑powered electric dirt bikes and similar vehicles increasingly operate on streets, sidewalks and trails and are not clearly classified under current law. The police chief told the council that complaints include unsafe speeds in residential areas, operation on sidewalks and multiuse trails, noise concerns and near misses involving pedestrians. "These vehicles are often marketed as recreational or off‑road use devices, but are frequently operated on public streets," the chief said.
The proposed ordinance would distinguish electric motorcycles from e‑bikes and mopeds based on power output, speed capability and design; restrict operation on sidewalks, parks and multiuse trails unless expressly authorized; require lights, safety equipment and helmets consistent with state law; and set operator requirements such as a valid driver's license and age limits where appropriate. Staff also proposed enforcement options ranging from warnings and citations to impoundment for repeat or egregious cases.
Staff cited recent state legislation and a Department of Licensing work group with an October 2027 due date to develop state regulations. The chief said the city's ordinance is intended to complement state law, not conflict with it, and noted the city's attorney reviewed the language. Councilmembers were reminded this was the first reading and could be amended prior to adoption at a later meeting.
No vote was taken on adoption during the meeting; the item will return for a second reading where council may request specific changes to the draft language.
