Hinsdale Council amends electric scooter regulations to align with state law

The Village Board of Hinsdale convened on April 22, 2025, to discuss significant amendments to local regulations regarding low-speed electric scooters and personal mobility devices. The proposed changes aim to align village ordinances with recent state legislation that imposes stricter guidelines on the use of these devices.

The board's discussions highlighted the confusion surrounding the original ordinance passed in May 2024, which allowed personal mobility devices, including scooters and electric bicycles, to operate on sidewalks, excluding the business district. However, new state laws have since taken precedence, mandating that operators of electric scooters must be at least 18 years old and limiting their speed to a maximum of 10 miles per hour.

As a result, the board has decided to amend the existing ordinance to reflect these state requirements. Under the new regulations, electric scooters will be permitted on streets and sidewalks, except in the business district, with the stipulation that all operators must be over 18. Additionally, the board plans to prohibit other personal mobility devices, such as electric dirt bikes and one-wheeled skateboards, due to safety concerns.

Bicycles, both traditional and electric, will still be allowed on streets and sidewalks outside the Central Business District, with no age restrictions for manual bicycles. Electric bicycles will be regulated under the same wattage limit of 750 watts as defined by state law, which allows them to reach speeds between 15 to 35 miles per hour.

The board also discussed enforcement measures for the new regulations, indicating that warnings would be issued for first-time violations, with citations directed at parents for minors caught violating the rules. The amendments are expected to be finalized in a second reading scheduled for May, ahead of the summer season when scooter usage typically increases.

Overall, these changes reflect the village's commitment to ensuring public safety while adapting to evolving state laws regarding personal mobility devices. The board emphasized the importance of communicating these new regulations to residents, particularly as the school year comes to a close.