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Council holds first reading of ordinance to regulate electric motorcycles in Enumclaw
Summary
On first reading, staff told the Enumclaw City Council the proposed ordinance would define electric motorcycles, distinguish them from e-bikes, prohibit use on sidewalks and trails unless authorized, require helmets and safety equipment, and align local rules with forthcoming state guidance.
The Enumclaw City Council on June 22 held the first reading of Ordinance No. 2,839, a proposed municipal code chapter to define and regulate electric motorcycles.
City staff (public safety Chief, S11) told council that high-powered electric motorcycles and dirt bikes have increasingly been operated on public streets, sidewalks and multiuse trails, creating enforcement ambiguity and public-safety concerns. The staff report said Enumclaw’s municipal code currently lacks a clear definition for these vehicles and recommended a new chapter that would:
- define "electric motorcycles" and distinguish them from e-bikes and mopeds by power output, speed capability and design; - restrict operation on sidewalks, parks and multiuse trails unless specifically authorized; - require helmets consistent with state law, lighting and other minimum safety equipment for roadway operation; - require valid driver’s licenses and establish age restrictions for roadway use; and - establish penalties, including warnings, citations, impoundment and misdemeanor classifications for repeat or egregious violations.
The Chief summarized resident complaints about unsafe speeds in residential neighborhoods, sidewalk operations and noise, and noted near-miss incidents involving pedestrians. Staff said the ordinance is intended to complement state law and cited passage of Substitute Senate Bill 6110, which directs the Department of Licensing to convene a work group and develop state-level definitions and guidance with an October 2027 due date. The staff report said the city attorney reviewed the proposed language to ensure consistency with applicable statutes.
This was the ordinance’s first reading; council may make edits and consider a second reading and vote at a later meeting. No motion to adopt was made at the June 22 meeting.
