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Council holds first reading of electric‑motorcycle ordinance to clarify rules and enforcement
Summary
The council held a first reading of Ordinance No. 2839 to define and regulate electric motorcycles — restricting sidewalk and trail use, setting equipment and operator requirements, and enabling enforcement — following staff reports citing safety incidents and recent state guidance.
The Enumclaw City Council on June 22 took up a first reading of Ordinance No. 2839, a proposed municipal code chapter that would define "electric motorcycles" and set where and how they may be operated within city limits.
City staff described a regulatory gap that has left law enforcement and the public uncertain about whether high‑powered electric dirt bikes and similar vehicles may be lawfully operated on streets, sidewalks or trails. The Chief said staff have received resident complaints alleging unsafe speeds, sidewalk operation, noise and near misses with pedestrians and vehicles.
The proposed ordinance would distinguish electric motorcycles from e‑bikes and mopeds based on power, speed capability and design; restrict operation on sidewalks, parks and multi‑use trails unless expressly authorized; require helmets consistent with state law; require lighting and other minimum safety equipment for roadway use; and establish penalties ranging from warnings to misdemeanors, including vehicle impoundment for repeat or egregious violations.
The Chief told the council the city attorney reviewed the draft language to ensure it does not conflict with state law and referenced recent state legislative action establishing a Department of Licensing work group ("Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6110" referenced in the staff report) with a due date of October 2027 for state rulemaking. "This proposed ordinance is designed to complement, not conflict with, state law by addressing areas not clearly defined at the state level," the Chief said.
Council treated the item as a first reading; no final vote or adoption occurred. Staff recommended adoption at a future meeting after additional council review and the second reading process.
Next steps: the ordinance will return for a second reading and potential amendment; staff said they will coordinate with the city attorney and monitor the state work group and RCW guidance.
