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Council hears first reading of ordinance to regulate electric motorcycles
Summary
At first reading, the Police Chief told the council that high‑powered electric motorcycles and dirt bikes are being used on streets, sidewalks and trails; the proposed Ordinance No. 2839 would define and restrict electric motorcycles, require safety equipment and set enforcement penalties.
The City Council heard a staff report and first reading of Ordinance No. 2839 on Tuesday that would create a municipal code chapter defining and restricting electric motorcycles.
"Electric motorcycles, including high‑powered electric dirt bikes and similar vehicles, have become increasingly popular in recent years," the Police Chief said, explaining staff have received resident complaints about unsafe speeds, sidewalk operation and near‑miss incidents. The Chief said the draft ordinance would distinguish electric motorcycles from e‑bikes and mopeds by power output, speed capability and design, prohibit operation on sidewalks, parks and multi‑use trails unless specifically authorized, require helmets and lighting consistent with state law, set age and driver‑license requirements for roadway use, and provide a range of enforcement options including warnings, citations and impoundment for repeat or egregious cases.
The Chief referenced recent state legislation and a forthcoming state work group, noting: "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." The staff report said the ordinance is intended to complement — not conflict with — state law and that the city's attorney has reviewed the proposed language for statutory consistency.
Councilmembers took comments but did not vote on the ordinance at first reading; the Chief said the Public Safety Committee had reviewed and approved the concept. The ordinance will return for a second reading and possible amendments before a final vote.
