Lake Bluff trustees map ordinance to curb fast, unregistered electric motorcycles and scooters

Lake Bluff trustees discussed on July 28 draft rules to limit reckless use of electric motorcycles, scooters and e-bikes after police reported an increase in high-speed devices and complaints from residents.

The proposal would fold many operating rules for electric devices into the village’s bicycle regulations, designate the Central Business District (CBD) as an area where devices must be walked on sidewalks, and emphasize education and juvenile “station adjustment” responses before citations. Drew (staff member), who presented the item, said the changes were prompted by “complaints at the village” and a “dramatic increase in these e… devices around town.”

The discussion centered on three practical points: which devices the village can lawfully regulate (state statutes set base classifications), how to enforce rules when devices are visually similar, and how to educate families and schools. Drew and Matt (staff member) told trustees that the village would follow state classifications for e-bikes (class 1–3) and noted limitations created by state law — for example, state rules include age and speed-based provisions. Drew said the police had used a social-media campaign and planned to work with schools on education in August.

Trustees and residents pressed for clarity on enforcement. Drew explained the police department would offer station adjustments — voluntary meetings with juveniles and parents to change behavior — before pursuing citations: “station adjustment is specifically for juveniles.” He added that adults riding unregistered or uninsured motorcycles could be charged under the Illinois Vehicle Code, including for lack of registration or insurance. The police also listed impoundment as a possible later penalty.

Residents at the meeting described unsafe riding in neighborhoods. Susie Dutke, a Lake Bluff resident, said Tangley Oaks has frequent riders “in the middle of the street and sometimes 3 across,” adding that “maybe 40% have helmets on.” Another resident, using the name Hunter, asked whether a 16-year-old with a permit could legally use a registered electric motorcycle; the chief answered no, explaining registration and licensing requirements must be met before the vehicle is treated as a street vehicle.

Trustees discussed statutory and drafting complications, including inconsistent terms in the draft ordinance (examples given: “nontitled vehicles,” “self-propelled device,” and whether to adopt the label “personal mobility device”). One trustee proposed a parent-facing online registration form for juvenile-owned motorized devices to record serial numbers and authorized riders; that idea was discussed but not adopted. Drew and Matt said they and the village attorney would refine definitions and language off-line before the ordinance’s next appearance.

No formal vote was taken on the ordinance at the July 28 meeting; Drew said staff would return the revised language to the board at the village’s second meeting in August, where the amendment would be introduced and go through two readings to amend the code.

The board emphasized a preference for a simple, easy-to-publicize chart for residents explaining where each class of device may be ridden. The police and staff framed the near-term approach as education-focused, reserving arrest or formal traffic citations for repeat or egregious violations.