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Enumclaw council holds first reading of ordinance to regulate electric motorcycles
Summary
At its June 22 meeting the Enumclaw City Council held a first reading of Ordinance 2839 to define and restrict electric motorcycles, citing resident complaints and enforcement ambiguity; staff said the ordinance would set definitions, safety and operator requirements, and penalties, with second reading expected later.
The Enumclaw City Council on June 22 heard the first reading of Ordinance 2839, a proposed municipal code chapter that would define "electric motorcycles" and restrict where the vehicles may be operated.
City staff, speaking at the first reading, said high‑powered electric dirt bikes and similar vehicles have increasingly been operated on streets, sidewalks and multiuse trails and that existing code does not clearly address them. "The proposed ordinance would define electric motorcycles, establishing a clear definition distinguishing electric motorcycles from e bikes and mopeds based on power output, speed capability and design," the police chief reported during the staff presentation.
The chief told the council the ordinance would prohibit operation of electric motorcycles on sidewalks, in parks and on multiuse trails unless specifically authorized; require helmets, lighting and other safety equipment consistent with state law; and establish operator requirements such as a valid driver’s license for roadway operation and age limits where appropriate. The staff report also called for new enforcement tools, including warnings, citations, vehicle impoundment and misdemeanor classifications for repeat or egregious violations.
Staff said the ordinance is intended to complement, not conflict with, state law. The presentation referenced recent state legislation that directs the Department of Licensing to convene a work group on electric‑motorcycle regulations, with a work deadline in October 2027. The chief noted the public safety committee discussed the topic and recommended moving forward to the full council.
Because this was a first reading, council members may propose changes before a second reading and final vote. No formal action to adopt the ordinance was taken at the June 22 meeting.
The council will consider the ordinance again at a later meeting; staff said they would continue public safety outreach and education in the interim.
