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Council hears first reading of electric-motorcycle ordinance to limit street and sidewalk use
Summary
City staff presented a first reading of ordinance 2,839 to define and regulate electric motorcycles, limit sidewalk and trail operation, require equipment and licensing, and give enforcement options; staff cited recent state legislation and recommended adoption at a later reading.
The Enumclaw City Council heard the first reading by title of ordinance 2,839 on June 22, which would create a new municipal code chapter defining and regulating electric motorcycles.
The police chief presented the staff report, saying electric motorcycles — including high-powered electric dirt bikes — have increasingly operated on streets, sidewalks and multiuse trails and that current municipal code does not clearly address them. “Without clear municipal regulations, enforcement is inconsistent and public safety risks increased,” the Chief said.
Why it matters: Staff said the proposed ordinance would distinguish electric motorcycles from e-bikes and mopeds by power output, speed capability and design; restrict operation on sidewalks, parks and multiuse trails unless authorized; require lighting, helmets consistent with state law, minimum safety standards for street operation, and valid driver’s licenses where appropriate. The Chief also described penalties ranging from warnings and citations to impoundment for repeat or egregious violations.
Staff cited recent state action as part of the rationale, saying, “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,” and said the ordinance is intended to complement, not conflict with, state law.
What happened next: The ordinance had its first reading by title only; the council did not take a final vote. Councilmembers were reminded this is a first reading and that additional comments may be offered at the second reading.
Context: The topic was discussed previously in the Public Safety Committee and staff said complaints from residents included unsafe speeds and operation on sidewalks and trails. The Chief recommended the council adopt a code defining electric motorcycles to clarify enforcement and improve public safety.
