Auburn City Council has approved a sweeping new ordinance regulating e-bikes and electric motorcycles, giving police the authority to impound vehicles and fine riders as much as $750 for repeat violations. The council passed Ordinance No. 7029 during its regular meeting on August 3, amending the city code to draw a hard legal line between pedal-assist bicycles and the faster, more powerful electric motorcycles that have proliferated on Auburn’s streets, sidewalks, and trails.
According to a news release from the City of Auburn, the ordinance amends Section 10.56.010 and adds an entirely new Chapter 10.57 to the Auburn City Code, distinguishing Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 electric-assisted bicycles from higher-powered electric motorcycles. City officials say the update follows recent changes to Washington state law that clarified e-bike classifications and began building a regulatory framework for electric motorcycles, and that the previous code left the city with insufficient enforcement options for newer, higher-speed vehicles. Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus said e-bikes “can be a fun and convenient way to get around, but they must be operated responsibly,” per the release, adding that the city has received reports of reckless riding — including incidents involving minors — along with significant and permanent damage to natural areas and public pathways.
Drawing the Line Between Bikes and Motorcycles
Under the new chapter, an electric motorcycle is defined as an electric-powered motorcycle that lacks fully operable pedals, exceeds 750 watts, or provides motor assistance above 28 mph, the city says. Anyone younger than 16 is now barred from operating one anywhere in Auburn. Riders who do meet the age requirement must have a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement, and the vehicles themselves must be registered with the Washington State Department of Licensing, display a valid license plate, and meet state requirements before ever touching a public street.
Electric motorcycles are now banned outright from sidewalks, pedestrian paths, shared-use paths and park trails, as well as from city-owned or controlled parks, open spaces and other city property, except in parking lots, the city says. Auburn Police Chief Mark Caillier said the ordinance “gives officers clearer standards to apply when unsafe behavior occurs,” according to the release.
New Rules Also Target Faster E-Bikes
The ordinance does not stop at electric motorcycles. Class 3 e-bikes — which provide assistance only while the rider is pedaling and cut off at a top speed of 28 mph, and which come equipped with a speedometer — are now also prohibited on sidewalks, pedestrian paths, shared-use paths and park trails in Auburn. All classes of e-bikes are barred from parks that contain bicycle-specific facilities, and Class 3 bikes specifically are banned from city-owned parks, open spaces and other city property outside of parking lots…