Issaquah’s Services, Safety and Parks Committee on Nov. 18 reviewed COM0182, a two‑part ordinance package that would add a local code definition for e‑motorcycles and update impoundment rules for e‑bikes and e‑motorcycles.

The administration, represented by Chief Schwann of the Issaquah Police Department, told the committee the package is intended to give officers enforcement tools, clarify where different classes of e‑bikes and e‑motorcycles may operate, and tailor penalties to educate guardians and riders. "We are proposing that the ordinances are adopted on 12/01/2025," Chief Schwann said, urging committee feedback on penalty levels and operational rules.

Why it matters: E‑assisted devices have become more powerful and more common, raising safety questions for pedestrians and motorists and creating inconsistent rules across neighboring jurisdictions. The committee framed the ordinance as both a local safety measure and a contribution to a broader push for consistent state legislation.

What the ordinances would do: The staff packet describes two related code changes. The first would add a local definition for "e‑motorcycle"—a vehicle powered in full or in part by electricity that has no operable foot pedals, exceeds 750 watts, or continues to provide motor assistance beyond 28 miles per hour—to capture modified dirt bikes and other higher‑power machines not explicitly covered by the RCW. The second would amend the city’s impoundment chapter to allow officers discretion for same‑day pickup at the police station where feasible and to avoid immediate towing and long‑term storage when guardians can retrieve a device.

Penalties and enforcement: Staff proposed a tiered penalty schedule for violations by operators or guardians: a stated first offense of $250, second offense of $500 and a larger third penalty (the transcript reads "$7.50" for the third tier, a figure the committee flagged for clarification). Chief Schwann said e‑motorcycle infractions raise separate enforcement issues and can carry criminal referrals where licensing or endorsements are required; officers would retain discretion on whether to impound, to allow pickup at the station, or to use an outside impound service.

Committee discussion and public comment: Council members pressed staff to correct a text inconsistency about which city official the parks director may regulate. Jillian Straub, management analyst, acknowledged the inconsistency and said the draft will be amended to limit parks director authority to parks, plazas and park trails. A public commenter, Wes, owner of the local Trek bicycle shop, urged clearer rules for sale, advertising and park signage and suggested requiring license plates on higher‑powered devices: "The definition of e motorcycles is needed and fantastic," he said, arguing clearer guidance would help customers and older riders know where devices are permitted.

Direction and next steps: Council members, including Council Member Ray and the Deputy Council President, told the administration they favor treating e‑motorcycles and e‑bikes differently because of differing speed and mass profiles and supported aligning local rules with neighboring cities to reduce a patchwork of regulations. The committee asked staff to amend the parks director language and return the ordinance to the full council; staff said they will continue outreach and education and monitor related state law developments ahead of a planned Dec. 1, 2025 adoption vote.

The committee did not take a recorded final vote on COM0182 during the meeting; it provided direction to staff and recommended the amended ordinance be forwarded to the full council for consideration.