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Enumclaw holds first reading of ordinance to regulate electric motorcycles
Summary
Council held a first reading of Ordinance No. 2839 to add a municipal chapter defining and regulating electric motorcycles — a staff-recommended measure to close local regulatory gaps, restrict sidewalk and trail use, and establish equipment and licensing requirements. No vote was taken on adoption (first reading only).
The Enumclaw City Council on June 22 received the first reading of Ordinance No. 2839, a proposed municipal code chapter to define and regulate electric motorcycles, including high-powered electric dirt bikes that staff said are increasingly operated on streets, sidewalks and multi-use trails.
Staff background: The Chief told the council staff has received resident complaints about high speeds, sidewalk operation and near-miss incidents involving electric motorcycles. "Currently, Enumclaw Municipal Code does not specifically address electric motorcycles as a distinct vehicle category," the Chief said, and staff recommended a new definition to distinguish electric motorcycles from e-bikes and mopeds based on power output, speed capability and design.
Key provisions described in the staff report include restricting operation on sidewalks, parks and multi-use trails unless specifically authorized; limiting roadway use to vehicles compliant with applicable vehicle laws; establishing minimum safety equipment and lighting requirements; requiring a valid driver's license for roadway operation; setting age restrictions where appropriate; and creating enforcement tools ranging from warnings to citations and vehicle impoundment for repeat or egregious violations.
Context: Staff noted recent state legislation and the need for local clarity while the state completes rulemaking. The report referred to a state bill (recorded in the staff report as "gross substitute senate bill 61 10") and said the Department of Licensing work group is due to report by October 2027. The staff memo said the city's attorney reviewed the proposed language to ensure it complements, not conflicts with, state law.
Council action: This was a first reading; councilmembers were told they may propose changes at second reading. No adoption vote occurred during the June 22 meeting.
Why it matters: Proponents argue the ordinance will improve public safety and enforcement clarity; opponents and specifics of implementation (for example, precise power thresholds or enforcement costs) were not recorded during this meeting and will be subject to later council discussion.
