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Tinley Park trustees discuss draft e-bike, scooter restrictions for Harmony Square
Summary
At an Aug. 6 Committee of the Whole meeting, Village staff presented a draft, townwide ordinance to regulate non‑highway electric bicycles and scooters; trustees asked staff to narrow the focus to Harmony Square, pursue public outreach and return with a revised proposal by Aug. 19.
Tinley Park trustees and staff discussed a proposed ordinance to regulate electric bicycles and scooters on Aug. 6, 2025, focusing on whether the village should restrict those vehicles in Harmony Square and similar public places. Hannah, a village staff member, told the Committee of the Whole the draft ordinance was “kind of the most expansive that we would be looking to do” and that the immediate focus should be Harmony Square.
The proposal matters because trustees said the devices raise safety concerns, can damage the square’s turf and present enforcement challenges. Trustee Shaw said the village should seek broader public input before adopting limits, adding, “we do need to hear more from the public.” Several trustees suggested targeted restrictions for Harmony Square rather than a townwide ban and recommended public education and awareness campaigns alongside any ordinance.
Village staff said the draft was intentionally broad to facilitate discussion and that state law governing e‑scooters and e‑bikes allows municipalities to adopt restrictions more stringent than the state’s statute. The staff presentation said the village could adopt a stand‑alone Harmony Square ordinance specifying permitted and prohibited activities in that plaza and similar venues. Hannah told the board she was “working with the administration to craft something” and hoped to present a refined proposal by Aug. 19 for the next Committee of the Whole and board meeting.
Trustees gave examples of possible approaches. One trustee noted other communities use geo‑fencing so rental scooters automatically shut off in plazas; another suggested programs such as bike‑safety rodeos and public outreach rather than heavy enforcement. Concerns included nighttime visibility of privately owned devices, speeds cited in discussion (trustees referenced speeds “20, 25 miles an hour”), and whether police resources should be dedicated to enforcement of a broad local ban.
Discussion items (not exhaustive) included: limiting devices in event and high‑pedestrian areas, adding Harmony Square to a list of restricted uses, preserving newly installed turf, and pairing restrictions with education and enforcement plans. Trustee Shaw recommended an open town‑hall style forum to hear both sides before finalizing any ordinance.
No formal motion or vote to adopt an ordinance occurred during the meeting. Instead, trustees directed staff to refine the draft, concentrate on Harmony Square restrictions and return with a proposed ordinance for consideration at the Aug. 19 Committee of the Whole and the next village board meeting. The village also noted a previous community program — a police bicycle rodeo in 2003 — as a model for public safety outreach.
The topic arose during agenda item 17 and concluded before item 18 (public comment). Staff and trustees said they would continue work with the village manager, police and public works to develop the proposal.
Looking ahead, any local ordinance would need board approval and must be drafted consistent with the Illinois statute trustees referenced; staff said the state law allows municipalities to be more restrictive in local public locations.
