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Board defers new e-scooter ordinance and pilot program until spring 2026 after trustee split
Summary
The village board voted 4–1 to defer action on an ordinance to regulate electric scooters and a companion pilot program resolution until April 2026, citing ongoing major street reconstructions (Lake Drive, Oakland Avenue) and concerns about sidewalk clutter and safety.
Shorewood trustees voted to defer an ordinance that would create rules allowing short-term commercial electric-scooter rentals and a resolution to establish a pilot program until April 2026.
Supporters of the ordinance said regulated scooter operations could expand travel options and help business access. Opponents raised safety and litter concerns, citing scooter crashes reported elsewhere, cleanup of abandoned devices and the risk of scooters blocking sidewalks and parks.
Several trustees argued the timing was poor because major streets — Lake Drive this year and Oakland Avenue next year — will be under reconstruction and the board would not be able to measure pilot outcomes during extensive construction. Staff advised that an ordinance is required before a pilot involving commercial short-term rentals can be authorized under state statute. The board conducted a roll call on the motion to defer: Trustee Land (Aye), Trustee McGovern (Nay), Trustee Ersink (Aye), Trustee Stockbridge (Aye), Trustee Arndorffer (Aye). The motion carried 4–1.
Staff told the board they will not expend additional ordinance drafting time if trustees do not want the item acted on now; staff may resume the ordinance and pilot work for future boards when resurfacing projects are complete. The deferral preserves the option for trustees to consider the ordinance and pilot in spring 2026.
