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Village staff says low‑speed electric‑vehicle ordinance in progress; CBD restrictions under consideration
Summary
Village staff told the Plan Commission on Aug. 20 that a draft motor‑vehicle ordinance addressing low‑speed electric scooters, e‑bikes and similar devices is being drafted and is expected to be discussed at an upcoming meeting; the transcript records no vote on the matter.
Village staff told the Village of Lake Bluff Joint Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals on Aug. 20 that the village is drafting a motor‑vehicle ordinance to address low‑speed electric scooters, electric bikes and other personal electric mobility devices.
A staff member said the draft ordinance would apply to the central business district (CBD) and other areas where the devices have become pervasive and that it was "piecing together" rules on low‑speed electric scooters, e‑bikes and similar devices. "We are working, at the board level. The chief and I have and Drew have been, crafting a motor vehicle ordinance that pertains to low speed electric scooters, electronic bikes, the increase in those that we're seeing, all the other different electronic toys," the staff member said. The staff member added that the ordinance had been workshopped by a committee and was expected to come back for discussion at a meeting on Monday.
The conversation began after a commissioner asked whether Lake Forest had banned small electric mopeds in its downtown; the staff member said Lake Forest had restricted them in its central business district and the village was considering a similar approach for Lake Bluff.
No formal action was taken during the Aug. 20 meeting; the transcript records that the ordinance would be discussed again and that the village is considering restrictions for safety purposes in the CBD. Commissioners and staff indicated the change is intended for public‑safety reasons and to align local rules with activity observed in adjacent communities.
Because the transcript contains a staff description of the draft and not a finalized text, this article does not state the ordinance’s final scope or specific prohibitions. The item remains at the draft and discussion stage and will be subject to formal consideration and possible public hearings at subsequent meetings.
