Deerfield trustees open debate on ordinance to restrict high‑speed personal mobility devices; second reading set

Deerfield trustees on May 12 opened public debate on a proposed ordinance that would restrict the use of motor‑driven personal mobility devices — including throttle‑controlled electric scooters and small gas‑powered bikes — on village streets, sidewalks, bike paths and parks for younger users and in higher‑speed areas.

The proposal, presented by village staff and the police department, would prohibit operation of devices that are solely powered by an electric motor or gasoline engine unless the operator is at least 16 and possesses an Illinois driver’s license (higher age limits for certain low‑speed devices are proposed to align with state law). Police described an education‑first enforcement plan and said they would rely initially on outreach to families and schools.

The discussion matters because village police reported rising calls and safety incidents tied to the devices over the past year — including traffic crashes and injuries — while residents and trustees urged balancing…