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Enumclaw council holds first reading of ordinance to regulate electric motorcycles
Summary
Council received staff report on Ordinance No. 2839, a first reading to define and restrict electric motorcycles, proposing equipment, licensing and area restrictions to address safety and enforcement gaps; staff recommended future adoption to provide clarity pending state rulemaking.
Enumclaw City Council on June 22 held a first reading of Ordinance No. 2839, which would create a distinct electric‑motorcycle category in the municipal code and set restrictions intended to reduce safety risks and enforcement ambiguity.
City staff said high‑powered electric motorcycles, including off‑road style dirt bikes, increasingly operate on public streets, sidewalks and multi‑use trails and are not clearly categorized under current local code. The staff presentation noted safety complaints—speeding in residential neighborhoods, operations on sidewalks and near‑misses with pedestrians—and said riders are often unlicensed or underage.
The proposed ordinance would define electric motorcycles and distinguish them from e‑bikes and mopeds by power output, speed capability and design; prohibit operation on sidewalks, parks and multi‑use trails unless specifically authorized; require helmets consistent with state law; mandate lighting and minimum safety equipment for roadway use; set operator requirements (including a valid driver’s license for roadway operation and age restrictions where appropriate); and establish a range of enforcement tools from warnings to impoundment for repeat or egregious violations.
Staff noted recent state legislation that requests a Department of Licensing work group to develop state regulations on electric motorcycles with a due date of October 2027 and said the proposed municipal code changes are designed to complement—not conflict with—state law. Police staff recommended the council adopt municipal language to improve local enforcement clarity and public safety. This was a first reading; the ordinance will return for additional consideration and possible revision at second reading.
