Board adopts ordinance restricting motor-driven dirt bikes, clarifies e-bike rules and CBD sidewalk use

The Village of Northbrook Board of Trustees approved an ordinance amending Chapters 16 and 24 of the Northbrook Municipal Code to regulate electric bicycles, scooters and other motor-driven devices and to prohibit motor-driven dirt bikes and similar unregistered vehicles on public property.

The ordinance, adopted as amended, aligns municipal rules with the Illinois Vehicle Code while closing gaps left by state legislation. Trustees voted by roll call and the ordinance passed unanimously.

Under the ordinance as amended, the village: (1) bans operation of unregistered motor-driven vehicles, including motorbikes and electric dirt bikes, on public streets, sidewalks, bike paths, parks, parking lots and publicly accessible private property; (2) adopts the state—s classifications for e-bikes (Class 1: pedal-assist to 20 mph; Class 2: throttle or assist to 20 mph; Class 3: pedal-assist to 28 mph) and imposes operational rules that reflect state age and license restrictions for those classes; (3) requires lighting after sunset and appropriate braking equipment; (4) requires helmets for riders under 60 in specified places; and (5) provides parking rules and penalties including impoundment for reckless operation.

The village attorney explained the ordinance—s definition of “motor driven vehicle" is drawn to capture wheeled electric or gas-powered devices that lack state registration, title or license-plate documents. Police and trustees said the provision responds to persistent complaints about unregulated off-road vehicles that cannot be registered under state law and pose enforcement and safety challenges.

The Central Business District (CBD) sidewalk restriction was amended before the vote. As amended, the ordinance requires bicyclists and electric-scooter riders on CBD sidewalks to dismount and walk devices (the amendment does not prohibit riding on CBD roadways). Trustees and staff stressed the village will pursue public education, school outreach and targeted signage rather than rely solely on enforcement.

Chief Ustich said the ordinance gives the police clearer enforcement tools and that staff will run a communications campaign and produce a small reference card for distribution to the public and schools. Attorney Elrod noted the state statutory language used in the ordinance contains gaps for scooters and low-speed devices and that municipal education must therefore be clear and practical.

Ending

Trustees adopted the ordinance as amended and directed staff to coordinate an education campaign with the communications department and school liaisons; fines and impoundment provisions will be applied by police as warranted.