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Council holds first reading of ordinance to regulate electric motorcycles
Summary
City staff presented Ordinance No. 2,839 for first reading to define and regulate electric motorcycles—including prohibiting sidewalk use, equipment requirements, age and licensing rules—and to align local code with recent state action; no final action was taken at first reading.
At the June 22 meeting the Enumclaw City Council conducted a first reading by title of Ordinance No. 2,839, a proposed municipal-code chapter to define and regulate electric motorcycles.
City Clerk Jessica read the ordinance by title only. The police Chief (speaker 11) delivered the staff report, saying the city’s municipal code currently lacks a clear definition for high-powered electric motorcycles and that that gap creates ambiguity for enforcement and public safety. “Currently, Enumclaw Municipal Code does not specifically address electric motorcycles as a distinct vehicle category,” the Chief said.
The staff presentation said the proposed ordinance would distinguish electric motorcycles from e-bikes and mopeds based on power output, speed capability and design; prohibit operation on sidewalks, parks and multi-use trails unless specifically authorized; require helmets consistent with state law; require lighting and safety equipment for roadway use; and set operator requirements such as a valid driver’s license and age restrictions when appropriate. The proposal would also establish enforcement options—warnings, citations, impoundment in repeat or egregious cases—and misdemeanor classifications for certain violations.
Staff noted recent state legislation has acknowledged the gap and identified a Department of Licensing work group with an October 2027 deliverable (substitute Senate Bill 6110), and said the city attorney’s office reviewed the proposed language to avoid conflict with state law. The Chief said the ordinance is intended to complement state regulation and provide clarity for local enforcement.
Councilmembers were invited to comment; this was a first reading and no vote on the ordinance was taken that evening. Council or committee review and a second reading will follow before any adoption.
