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Carol Stream adopts ordinance restricting e-bikes, e-scooters from sidewalks and bike paths
Summary
The Village Board approved an ordinance restricting operation of electric bicycles and scooters to roadways with speed limits of 35 mph or less, set a minimum operator age of 16, required a driver—s license, and established a tiered fine structure; officials said enforcement will start with education.
Carol Stream—s Village Board voted to adopt an ordinance restricting electric bicycles and scooters from sidewalks, shared-use paths and bike paths and requiring they be operated on roadways with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less. The board approved the measure after a presentation by the police chief and a motion by Trustee McCarthy.
The ordinance applies to electric bicycles and electric scooters and amends sections of the village—s traffic code that previously covered motorized skateboards and similar devices. The police chief told the board the Illinois Vehicle Code provides definitions but leaves many local rules to municipalities, and the proposed amendment fills gaps in Carol Stream—s code.
The village will require riders to be at least 16 years old and to have a valid driver—s license when operating on roadways. The measure also creates a tiered fine schedule for violations: $50 for a first violation, $100 for a second, and $200 for a third and any subsequent violation. The chief said officers will issue an ordinance-notice form that includes a QR code directing riders to the village—s online information and that enforcement will emphasize education and case-by-case handling rather than immediate issuance of court citations.
Trustees supported the ordinance during discussion, and the board approved it as ordinance number 2025-08-36. The chief said the village will run an outreach campaign, including social media, to explain where the vehicles may be operated and that juvenile violations could trigger parental-responsibility provisions already in the code.
The ordinance also creates recordkeeping procedures. The chief said the village—s records system will log interactions and prior violations so that officers can apply the tiered fines consistently. The board did not specify a delayed effective date in the discussion and approved the ordinance at the meeting.
Officials said the rule aims primarily at safety and not at aggressive citation. Trustee Anselmo and others reiterated the emphasis on protecting children and educating residents before broader enforcement.
