Enumclaw council holds first reading on ordinance to regulate electric motorcycles

The Enumclaw City Council on June 22 received a first reading of Ordinance No. 2839, a proposed municipal code chapter establishing definitions and regulations for electric motorcycles, including high-powered electric dirt bikes. The city clerk read the ordinance title and the police chief delivered a staff report explaining a regulatory gap: current municipal code does not specifically treat electric motorcycles as a distinct vehicle class, creating enforcement ambiguity when such vehicles are operated on streets, sidewalks, and trails.

The chief told the council the proposed ordinance would define electric motorcycles by power output and speed capability, distinguish them from e-bikes and mopeds, and restrict their use on sidewalks, parks, and multi-use trails unless specifically authorized. The staff recommendation included helmet and lighting requirements, age and licensing criteria for roadway operation, minimum equipment standards, and misdemeanor classifications for repeat or egregious violations. The chief said staff have received resident complaints about unsafe speeds, sidewalk operation, and near-miss incidents.

Staff also cited recent state legislation directing a Department of Licensing work group to develop statewide definitions and guidance with a due date in October 2027, and described the ordinance as a local measure designed to complement — not conflict with — forthcoming state rules. This was a first reading; councilmembers may comment further at second reading before any adoption vote.