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City introduces electric‑motorcycle ordinance to restrict sidewalk and trail use
Summary
On first reading the council heard staff say Ordinance 2839 would define electric motorcycles, restrict their use on sidewalks, parks and multiuse trails, require helmets and licensing for roadway use, and create enforcement penalties; staff cited resident complaints and state work on regulations.
The Enumclaw City Council received a first reading June 22 of Ordinance 2839, a proposed municipal code chapter intended to regulate electric motorcycles.
City Police Chief (speaker 11) gave the staff report, saying electric motorcycles — including high‑powered electric dirt bikes — have increasingly been used on streets, sidewalks and multiuse trails and that existing municipal code does not specifically address them. He said the vehicles can reach speeds comparable to gas motorcycles, are sometimes ridden by juveniles or unlicensed operators, and have produced resident complaints about unsafe speeds, sidewalk operation and near misses with pedestrians.
“Staff recommended the city council adopt a new municipal code establishing regulations for the operation of electric motorcycles within the city of [Enumclaw] to enhance public safety,” the chief said, noting the city's attorney reviewed the proposed language to ensure consistency with state law.
The proposed ordinance, as described by staff, would define electric motorcycles and distinguish them from e‑bikes and mopeds by power output and speed capability; prohibit operation on sidewalks, parks and multiuse trails unless specifically authorized; require helmets consistent with state law; require lighting and other safety equipment for roadway use; set operator requirements such as a valid driver’s license for roadway operation; and establish enforcement options including warnings, citations, impoundment and penalties for repeat or egregious cases.
The chief referenced recent state legislative activity and a state work group under substitute Senate Bill 6110 with an October 2027 due date that will further define state regulation and terminology. Council members were reminded that this was a first reading and could be amended at second reading.
Because Ordinance 2839 was presented on first reading, no council vote was taken to adopt it; further council consideration is expected at second reading.
