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Council holds first reading of electric-motorcycle ordinance to clarify local rules
Summary
On first reading Council considered Ordinance No. 2839 to define and regulate electric motorcycles — distinguishing them from e-bikes, restricting use on sidewalks and trails, setting operator requirements, and adding enforcement penalties; staff recommended adoption to improve safety and enforcement clarity.
The council read Ordinance No. 2839 on first reading, a proposed municipal code chapter to define and regulate electric motorcycles within Enumclaw.
City staff — presenting the item at first reading — told the council that electric motorcycles, including high-powered dirt bikes, are increasingly operated on public streets, sidewalks and multiuse trails and that the Enumclaw Municipal Code currently lacks a clear definition. The staff report said the ordinance would distinguish electric motorcycles from e-bikes and mopeds, restrict operation on sidewalks, parks and multiuse trails unless authorized, require helmets and lighting consistent with state law, and establish penalties ranging from warnings to misdemeanor charges for egregious or repeat violations.
The police chief delivering the staff report noted recent state action and a Department of Licensing work group timeline for state-level guidance: “Recent state legislation has acknowledged the absence of state regulations… the passage of gross substitute Senate Bill 6110 has established a need for a Department of Licensing work group with a due date of October 2027,” and staff recommended the council adopt local regulations to complement state law and improve enforcement clarity.
Why it matters: Staff said the proposed ordinance aims to reduce public-safety risks from high-speed electric motorcycles operated in neighborhoods and on pedestrian facilities and to give local law enforcement clearer authority to cite, warn or impound vehicles that violate the code.
What’s next: This was the ordinance’s first reading; councilmembers may offer amendments and a second reading will be scheduled before adoption.
