Snoqualmie councilors on Nov. 24 held the first reading of an ordinance to define and regulate electric motorcycles in city limits and outlined where such devices would be prohibited and what equipment and registration are required.

Staff (Interim Chief) explained the draft ordinance would define an electric motorcycle by motor output (exceeding 750 watts), assistance above 28 mph and lack of fully operational pedals. The draft makes select offenses nontraffic infractions, requires motorcycle‑level helmets rather than bicycle helmets, and authorizes officers discretionary impoundment. The ordinance would prohibit operation on sidewalks, public trails and city parks.

Councilors debated language and sought clarifications. Mayor Pro Tem Jim Holloway raised a drafting nit about whether the code should say assistance "when the vehicle reaches 28 miles per hour" versus "when the vehicle exceeds 28 miles per hour." A motion to change the phrasing failed in one vote sequence and passed in another; staff said they will correct scrivener errors and bring a cleaned version back for a second reading on Dec. 8. Council also amended the draft to allow passengers only if the vehicle is specifically designed by the original manufacturer to carry a second passenger.

The chief noted enforcement will rely on device specifications (wattage and other indicators) and that impoundment would typically be handled through tow companies to avoid police storage burdens. The ordinance does not address pedal‑assisted electric bicycles (class 1–3) and focuses on motorized devices that function as motorcycles.