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Council takes first reading of ordinance to regulate high-powered electric motorcycles
Summary
Council held first reading of Ordinance 2839 to define and regulate electric motorcycles (distinct from e-bikes and mopeds), restricting sidewalk and trail operation, setting equipment and licensing requirements, and creating enforcement options to address safety concerns.
The Enumclaw City Council held a first reading on June 22 for Ordinance No. 2839, which staff said would add a municipal code chapter to define and regulate electric motorcycles.
"Staff have received complaints from residents regarding unsafe speeds in residential neighborhoods, operation on sidewalks and pedestrian pathways, noise concerns, [and] near miss incidents involving pedestrians and vehicles," the department chief told the council during the staff report, laying out public-safety reasons for clearer local rules. The ordinance would distinguish electric motorcycles from e-bikes and mopeds by power, speed capability and design, and would prohibit operation on sidewalks, parks and multi-use trails unless specifically authorized.
The proposed code would also set equipment and operator requirements, including helmet requirements consistent with state law, minimum lighting and safety equipment for roadway operation, and age or licensing limits for roadway use. Staff said the city attorney reviewed language to align the ordinance with state law and the legislature-directed Department of Licensing work group, which is scheduled to produce state-level guidance by October 2027.
This was a first reading; no final council vote on adoption occurred at the meeting. Councilmembers were told they could bring comments forward ahead of a second reading.
