Morton Grove trustees begin rewriting rules for e-bikes and electric scooters, set 16-year minimum age

Morton Grove trustees on July 22 heard a first reading of a proposed municipal code section that would legalize certain electric bicycles and scooters while restricting where and how they may be used. The Board of Trustees received the police department’s draft ordinance and staff said it will return for a second reading at the board’s first August meeting.

The ordinance, presented by Chuck (Administrator), would add definitions mirroring state categories for Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes and create separate rules for “electric scooters” and “low speed electric scooters.” It would allow Class 1 e-bikes on sidewalks and streets but prohibit Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes on sidewalks. Low-speed electric scooters (maximum speed no more than 10 mph, per the draft) would be allowed on sidewalks; faster scooters would be restricted to streets.

Why it matters: trustees and residents said they are seeing more high-speed devices in neighborhoods and along park paths and raised safety concerns for children and older pedestrians. The draft ordinance attempts to balance legalizing widely used devices with safety controls and enforcement guidance.

Key provisions and staff clarifications - Age and license: the draft originally proposed 18 with a driver’s license; staff told trustees they will revise it to require users to be 16 or older with a driver’s license “in line with state guidelines.” Chuck said, “What we're going to be modifying that to with the board's concurrence is 16 or older.” - Location limits: Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes would be prohibited on sidewalks; Class 1 would be allowed. Low-speed scooters would be treated more like bicycles for sidewalk use; higher-speed scooters would be limited to streets. - Safety equipment and labeling: the draft would require helmets and a state-required label showing the device class and the ability to be operated by human propulsion (so it can be pushed or pedaled if the motor fails). Chuck said, “It would also require helmets for users, a label.” - Parental responsibility and penalties: the draft includes language making it unlawful for parents to permit a minor to violate the code. The ordinance would allow police to impound devices used dangerously; staff said an impoundment could carry a $500 fee to cover costs, and that impoundment or fines would be a last resort after education.

Public and trustee concerns Resident Mariano Arena described seeing a boy ride an e-bike near his house and expressed safety fears. Trustees asked how enforcement would work and whether parents would be held responsible. Chuck and the police representative emphasized education and outreach, saying the department plans school talks, newsletter items and website guidance, and that the department prefers “cooperative enforcement” where possible.

Next steps Staff will revise the draft (including the 16-year/driver’s-license change) and present it for a second reading at the board’s first August meeting. No ordinance vote was taken on July 22; trustees only received the first reading and asked for clarifications.

Ending: The board emphasized public education ahead of enforcement and said the police department will publish guidance and talk to schools before the ordinance is enforced more strictly.