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Council hears first reading of ordinance to regulate electric motorcycles
Summary
At first reading, Enumclaw staff and the police chief recommended a municipal ordinance to define and regulate electric motorcycles, restricting sidewalk and park use and setting equipment and operator requirements to address local safety concerns and gaps in state law.
The Enumclaw City Council held the first reading on June 22 of Ordinance 2839, a proposed municipal code chapter to define and regulate electric motorcycles and clarify enforcement where state law is incomplete.
City Clerk Jessica read the ordinance title by request of the council. The Police Chief delivered the staff report, saying electric motorcycles — including high-powered electric dirt bikes — are increasingly used on public streets, sidewalks and multi-use trails and that current Enumclaw municipal code does not distinguish those vehicles from e-bikes or mopeds.
The chief told the council the proposed ordinance would create a clear definition of electric motorcycles based on power output, speed capability and vehicle design; prohibit operation on sidewalks, parks and multi-use trails unless specifically authorized; require lighting and minimum safety equipment for roadway use; and set operator requirements including a valid driver’s license and age restrictions where appropriate. The proposal also includes enforcement tools ranging from warnings to citations and impoundment for repeat or egregious violations.
The chief said staff recommended the council adopt the code chapter to improve enforcement consistency and public safety. He noted recent state legislation and an anticipated Department of Licensing work group: “The passage of gross substitute senate bill 61 10 has established a need for a department of licensing work group to commence working on state regulations for electric motorcycles with a due date of October 2027,” the chief said.
Councilmember Shorten noted the Public Safety Committee had reviewed the ordinance and recommended it come forward for council consideration. Because this was the ordinance’s first reading, councilmembers may suggest changes at the second reading. No final council vote on adoption occurred at the June 22 meeting.
Next steps: the ordinance will return for a second reading and further council discussion; staff and committee feedback can be incorporated before any adoption vote.
