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Village officials cite existing 2019 ordinance as e-bike and e-scooter incidents rise
Summary
Officials discussed an existing village ordinance that prohibits electric or motor-driven mini bikes within village limits, concerns about children riding e-scooters in traffic and on sidewalks, and options for education or legal review of liability and enforcement.
Village officials discussed enforcement and education options for electric bicycles and e-scooters after residents described riders traveling in traffic and on sidewalks. Police and staff said the village already has an ordinance addressing motor-driven devices but that language may need updating and that outreach to schools has not yet occurred.
Police Chief said, “for us right now. Obviously, last year, believe it or not, the state of Illinois actually outlawed an e scooter.” The chief described handfuls of incidents but told officials the department has not seen “any significant incidents” specifically involving e-bikes and e-scooters in the village. A separate speaker who described enforcement history said, “We have an ordinance that says that, any electric or motor driven, whether it's a bike, a scooter… it's prohibited within the village, boundaries. That was installed back in 02/2019.”
The discussion focused on whether the 2019 ordinance's language is sufficiently clear to cover contemporary e-bikes and powered scooters and on how the village should respond when unlicensed young riders operate in traffic. One resident said riders are “going down Washington on our scooters in the middle of traffic,” and another described young riders using sidewalks and trails near Grand River Lake and Deer Crossing.
Officials raised three possible responses: (1) review and, if needed, update the ordinance language to specify covered devices; (2) consult legal counsel about village liability and enforcement options; and (3) pursue outreach or education through local schools. Police Chief said staff could “take a look” at liability and the ordinance language. Council discussion noted that school systems had not yet been approached about student education programs.
No formal motion or vote on ordinance changes was recorded during the discussion. Officials noted enforcement already exists under the 2019 ordinance but recommended staff return with clarification on liability, language updates, and any feasible school outreach plan.
