Lake Bluff amends code to limit e-bikes, scooters in Central Business District

The Village of Lake Bluff adopted an ordinance on Sept. 8 updating municipal code language to regulate electric motor-driven devices — including e-bikes and scooters — in the Central Business District.

Village staff told trustees the changes fold e-device rules into existing bicycle regulations to improve clarity and enforceability and to align the village—s rules with state law where applicable. The draft ordinance establishes operational limits such as speed, rider capacity and where devices must be walked rather than ridden.

The change follows residents— and merchants— safety concerns and multiple discussions at the Committee of the Whole. Staff said the updated language is meant to be simple and practical; police reported enforcement success against off-road e-dirt bikes using existing state statutes.

Staff said they would use standard communications and the local schools to educate youth about the new rules. "Matt has already been talking with our local school administrators about how we're going to handle that," a staff member said. The police department said it will produce educational materials, including a safety video in cooperation with the schools, and urged frequent public education about the new rules.

Board members emphasized a public-safety rationale. "I think the goal of this was public safety, keeping our kids safe, keeping our residents safe," President Regis Charlot said. The ordinance passed by voice vote; staff will work on outreach and a walk-only clarification for sidewalks outside the Central Business District where state law already restricts riding on sidewalks.