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Council holds first reading of ordinance to regulate electric motorcycles
Summary
At a first reading, council heard staff say Ordinance 2,839 would define and restrict electric motorcycles — including high‑powered dirt bikes — set equipment and operator requirements, and create enforcement tools to address safety and sidewalk use.
The Enumclaw City Council held the first reading of Ordinance 2,839 on June 22, proposing a new municipal chapter to regulate electric motorcycles, including high‑powered dirt bikes, after staff said rising complaints about operation on streets, sidewalks and trails created enforcement ambiguity.
The police chief told the council staff had received complaints about unsafe speeds, sidewalk operation and near‑misses involving pedestrians and vehicles. "Without clear municipal regulations, enforcement is inconsistent and public safety risks increased," the chief said, summarizing staff findings and recommending the council adopt a municipal code defining electric motorcycles and their permitted uses.
Under the proposed ordinance, electric motorcycles would be defined and distinguished from e‑bikes and mopeds by power output, speed capability and design. The proposal would prohibit operation on sidewalks, parks and multi‑use trails unless specifically authorized, require helmets consistent with state law, require lighting and minimum safety equipment for roadway use, and require a valid driver’s license and age restrictions where appropriate. Staff also proposed a tiered enforcement approach allowing warnings, citations, vehicle impoundment and misdemeanor classifications for repeat or egregious violations.
Councilmember Shorten noted the ordinance overlaps with state law and recently passed e‑bike provisions, and that the city would need to coordinate with the state Department of Licensing as that agency develops statewide rules. The staff report referenced substitute Senate Bill 6110 as prompting a state work group on electric motorcycle regulation with an October 2027 due date for state guidance.
The ordinance was read by title only for the first reading; staff asked for direction and said the city attorney reviewed the language for consistency with applicable statutes. Councilmembers may offer amendments and a second reading will return at a later meeting.
What happens next: The council held only a first reading and took no final vote; the ordinance will return for revision and a subsequent hearing and vote at future meeting(s).
