Deerfield board adopts ordinance restricting throttle-only electric scooters and sets 90-day review

The Village of Deerfield Board of Trustees on a 5‑1 vote adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 22 of the municipal code to restrict certain electric personal mobility vehicles, prohibit throttle‑only operation by minors, and require a 90‑day review of the new rules.

The change targets low‑speed, motor‑driven devices not covered by Illinois state e‑bike classifications. The ordinance bars individuals between ages 8 and 16 from operating motor‑driven vehicles independently (they may operate if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian), enforces a single‑rider rule, prohibits using a throttle as the sole means of propulsion, and establishes a $100 fine for first offenses. The ordinance becomes effective 10 days after adoption and will be reviewed during the board's second meeting in August (about 90 days after the vote).

Why it matters: Trustees and public safety officials said the amendment fills gaps in state law and responds to recurring safety complaints, near‑misses and police incident reports involving high‑speed or throttle‑driven devices in neighborhoods, parks and commercial areas. Several residents told the board they had seen riders blow through intersections, ride doubles without helmets and damage public property.

Village staff and the village attorney told trustees the municipality cannot change state classifications for class 1–3 e‑bikes but can regulate devices not governed by state statute. "The state already regulates this ... the ebikes are the pedal assist," Village Attorney Steve Alradd said during the discussion, distinguishing state‑classified e‑bikes (pedal‑assist) from the motor‑driven scooters and throttle‑only devices the ordinance targets.

Residents and students spoke at length during public comment. "It was pretty harsh that kids were not gonna be able to ride to school on whatever bicycles they had," resident Mark Lehi said, urging clarity about which devices the ordinance would cover. Several parents described seeing unsafe riding behavior near parks and school dismissal points; others urged education and enforcement focused on warnings before fines.

Police officials said the village will emphasize education and warnings before issuing fines, and that enforcement will focus on unsafe use. "Our restriction governs low speed electric scooters," the police chief told the board, explaining that the ordinance addresses devices powered solely by a throttle and that pedal‑assist use while pedaling remains allowed under state law.

Key clarifications in the ordinance and discussion: - Minimum age and supervision: Individuals between 8 and 16 may not operate motor‑driven vehicles independently; parental supervision is allowed for that age group. - Throttle vs. pedal assist: Devices operated solely by throttle are prohibited for underage use; pedal‑assist e‑bikes regulated by state law remain allowed when used consistent with state rules (class 1 and class 2). Class 3 e‑bikes carry a 16‑year minimum under state rules. - Single‑rider rule: The ordinance prohibits multiple riders on a single device. - Sidewalk use: Trustees and staff said motorized devices covered by the ordinance are not allowed on sidewalks; riders are expected to use streets where permitted. - Penalty and enforcement: The ordinance sets a $100 fine for a first offense but leaders said education and warnings will be the primary tools initially; fines reserved for repeat or flagrant violations. - Effective date and review: The ordinance becomes effective 10 days after passage and the board directed staff to return for a 90‑day review at the board's second August meeting to assess enforcement, incident reports and any state legislative changes.

Trustees’ reaction and vote: Board members who supported the ordinance said it strikes a balance between safety and preserving appropriate, lawful e‑bike use for residents. Several trustees emphasized the need for education through schools and community outreach and asked staff to work with private property owners (shopping centers) and the Park District to address device use on private parcels and parks. Trustee Jacoby cast the lone dissenting vote. The roll call produced five yes votes and one no vote; the mayor presided and the board recorded an effective date of June 1 for enforcement-related matters discussed that evening.

What happens next: Staff will publish guidance showing which devices are restricted and which are allowed under state law, coordinate enforcement and education with the police department, and return to the board in about 90 days with incident data, community feedback and any recommended ordinance refinements.