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Glendale Heights police present ordinance to restrict high‑powered e‑bikes and scooters; committee sends measure to board
Summary
A proposed village ordinance would limit low‑speed electric bicycles to a maximum capability of 20 mph, set a 750‑watt cap on motors and impose age and parental‑responsibility rules; the Committee of the Whole recommended the proposal be forwarded to the Village Board for action.
The Glendale Heights Committee of the Whole on Aug. 21 recommended that a draft ordinance regulating low‑speed electric bicycles, gas‑assisted bicycles and personal mobility devices be moved to the Village Board for formal consideration.
Police Chief Pappas, who led the presentation, said the measure would define ‘‘low‑speed electric bicycle’’ as a bicycle with operable pedals and an electric motor below 750 watts, and said, “What that means is that this bicycle can reach a maximum speed of 20 miles an hour.” He told trustees the gas‑powered bikes covered by the draft are limited by 15 cubic centimeters displacement and a similar 20 mph capability.
The proposal would apply existing traffic laws under the Illinois Vehicle Code to riders of these devices and would allow municipalities to set local restrictions. Under the draft ordinance, riders must be at least 16 to operate a motorized bicycle on a roadway; the committee asked staff to correct one cross‑reference so the parental‑responsibility provision refers to age 16 (not 18) where appropriate. The draft also would bar riding these devices on sidewalks and would permit police to impound devices when necessary.
Why it matters: Trustees and police described a recent rise in motorized bicycles and scooters, some capable of higher speeds and being driven on major streets. Officials said the ordinance aims to reduce crash risk and distracted operation and to give officers a clear enforcement standard.
Discussion and next steps: Committee members pressed staff on enforcement mechanics — how officers would identify owners, how registration and permits would be checked, and how the village will educate residents. Chief Pappas said registration and agency records will assist identification and that the department will work with village communications and local schools on public education. Trustees asked for a 30‑day public notification and education period prior to enforcement; staff confirmed an information campaign would run through social media, schools and village channels. The committee voted unanimously to forward the draft to the Village Board with a recommendation to concur; the board will take up the ordinance at a future meeting and the ordinance will require formal publication before it takes effect.
Discussion only vs. action: The committee’s vote sent a recommendation to the board; no ordinance has been adopted yet. Officials repeatedly said the draft contains an education phase and that enforcement will follow publication and outreach.
