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Police brief council committee on rules, limits and enforcement options for e-bikes, ATVs and golf carts
Summary
The Public Safety Committee heard a legal and operational briefing on electric bicycles, mopeds, ATVs and other non‑highway vehicles under Illinois law (including 11‑14‑26.1), enforcement limits for use on city streets and the need for local ordinances, signs, insurance and towing authority.
The Waukegan Police Department presented a legal and operational overview of “low speed” and non‑highway vehicles — including electric bicycles, gas‑powered low‑speed bikes, mopeds, ATVs, off‑highway vehicles and golf carts — and how Illinois law restricts or allows their use on streets.
Sergeant Alex Rasmussen told the Public Safety Committee that state law (cited during the presentation as section 11‑14‑26.1 of the Illinois administrative provisions) generally prohibits non‑highway vehicles on public roadways unless a local ordinance or resolution expressly authorizes them and posted signs indicate where they are allowed; even then local authorization is limited to streets with posted speeds of 35 mph or less. Rasmussen said drivers must have a valid driver’s license and insurance in many cases and that registration and titling issues for out‑of‑state vehicles depend on reciprocity rules.
The briefing covered distinctions between classes of e‑bikes and gas‑powered low‑speed bicycles, motor‑driven cycles that require an M endorsement, and mopeds that require a standard driver’s license. Rasmussen described the statutory width/weighl/seat limits that differentiate ATVs, recreational off‑highway vehicles and off‑highway motorcycles and noted enforcement options available when vehicles are operated illegally on streets, sidewalks, or in parks.
Committee members pressed about remedies and penalties. Rasmussen said the city’s towing authority and administrative seizure ordinances (cited during the meeting) can apply in many circumstances, and that the city could adopt local ordinances to either permit limited roadway use or to authorize additional enforcement tools, but any authorization requires posting and agreement from other jurisdictions if the roadway crosses jurisdictional boundaries.
Members suggested an informational campaign to remind residents that many such vehicles are not lawful on streets and parks and asked the department to develop enforcement guidance, including options for confiscation or towing when safe. The police indicated they will pursue public education and tailored enforcement strategies, and the committee asked staff to return with recommendations on messaging and any needed ordinance changes.
