Enumclaw considering banning e-motorcycles from sidewalks, parks

Published 12:15 pm Tuesday, June 23, 2026

The Enumclaw City Council may soon ban electric motorcycles from sidewalks and parks and require compliance with applicable laws when they’re on public streets.

The ordinance was introduced during the June 22 meeting as a first reading, and the council may circle back to it for a vote on July 13.

At this time, the city has no codified definition of e-motorcycles, which staff say have become increasingly popular over the last few years.

“These vehicles are often marketed as recreational or off-road use devices but are frequently operated on public streets, sidewalks, and multi-use trails within city limits,” a Enumclaw Police Department staff report reads, adding that the lack of a legal definition “creates ambiguity for riders, law enforcement, and the community regarding where and how these vehicles may be lawfully operated.”

The EPD has fielded complaints from residents in regard to e-motorcycle use, from speeding in neighborhoods to excessive noise and near-miss incidents with pedestrians and vehicles.

While there have been no serious injuries from improper e-motorcycle use in Enumclaw, a 9-year-old boy on an electric dirt bike failed to stop at a stop sign and crossed in front of a mini-van, which hit him and threw the child 15 feet into a nearby ditch last September.

The child was seriously injured and rushed to a nearby hospital. The dirt bike, which is considered an e-motorcycle, was deemed illegal to operate on the roads.

The new ordinance would establish a clear definition for e-motorcycles and differentiate the vehicles from e-bikes and mopeds based on power output, speed capability, and design.

According to a new state law, which went into effect June 11, e-bikes must have pedals for manual movement, the motor cannot go over 20 mph without the rider pedaling, and the engine cannot produce more than 750 watts. Vehicles that have more powerful engines, can go faster than 20 mph without pedaling, or lack pedals are considered e-motorcycles.

“Many e-motorcycle makes and models are marketed as e-bikes but are capable of traveling much faster than a traditional e-bike,” the EPD warned in a June 11 Facebook post.

The ordinance would ban e-motorcycles from sidewalks, parks, and multi-use trails unless they are specifically allowed.

Additionally, they can only be used on public roadways when riders are following applicable motorcycle laws.

This means the e-motorcycle must be registered with the Washington State Department of Licensing and have a license plate, and a driver must have the proper safety gear, lighting, safety equipment, and insurance. Additionally, children 16 years and younger are fully prohibited from driving an e-motorcycle, and older drivers need a valid motorcycle endorsement.

Drivers in violation of these requirements may be issued a traffic infraction and pay a fee of up to $250.

However, the EPD noted that the guardians of children that knowingly allowed their minor to drive an e-bike can also be issued a traffic infraction and a fine of up to $250.

The ordinance will also allow the EPD to impound e-motorcycles.

“With school being out for the summer, we want to ensure that everyone stays safe on our roads,” the EPD post reads. “Over the past year, there have already been far too many serious injuries in our region from these e-bikes and e-motorcycles, and we hope to avoid having more of these incidents moving forward.”