Council hears first reading of ordinance to regulate electric motorcycles

The Enumclaw City Council on June 22 received a staff report and held the first reading of Ordinance No. 2839, intended to define and regulate electric motorcycles, including high‑powered dirt bikes and similar vehicles that residents have operated on streets, sidewalks and trails.

City staff explained the municipal code currently lacks a clear category for electric motorcycles and that this legal gap creates enforcement ambiguity and public‑safety risks. "Electric motorcycles, including high powered electric dirt bikes and similar vehicles, have become increasingly popular in recent years," a department official told the council, describing complaints about unsafe speeds, operation on sidewalks and near‑misses with pedestrians.

The proposed ordinance would create a new code chapter defining electric motorcycles distinct from e‑bikes and mopeds by power output and speed capability; prohibit operation on sidewalks, parks and multi‑use trails unless specifically authorized; require helmets and lighting consistent with state law; require valid driver licensing for roadway operation; and set enforcement options including warnings, citations and vehicle impoundment for repeat or egregious violations.

Staff noted recent state action requiring a Department of Licensing work group and cited substitute Senate Bill 6110, which establishes a need for state rulemaking and has an October 2027 milestone for department work. The staff report said the ordinance is intended to complement state law by addressing areas not clearly defined at the state level and that the city's attorney has reviewed the draft for statutory consistency.

Councilmembers were reminded this was a first reading and may be revised before a second reading; no vote on adoption occurred. Staff recommended adoption at a future meeting to provide clearer definitions, enforcement tools and safety requirements.