Council amends vehicle code to regulate e-bikes and scooters; aldermanic split on trail restrictions

The Highland Park City Council adopted an ordinance amending Chapters 70 and 71 of the municipal code to address motor-driven vehicles, including electric scooters and certain e-bikes. The ordinance reflects policy discussions from a committee-of-the-whole meeting and includes age and location distinctions consistent with state law.

Council and staff noted the draft language was modeled on a similar ordinance from the Village of Deerfield. City attorney staff said state statute establishes an age distinction tied to certain vehicle classifications and recommended the council keep both age thresholds in the ordinance while staff research whether Highland Park’s home‑rule authority could change the age distinction in a future amendment.

Councilmember Center (no) voiced the lone recorded dissent at final vote, explaining she opposed a provision that prohibits the specified e-bikes from using multiuse trails. Several other councilmembers said they supported the ordinance to protect pedestrians and children. The roll-call vote recorded one no; the ordinance passed as amended.

Why it matters: the ordinance changes where certain motor-driven personal mobility devices can operate and adds local clarifications; staff said the city would follow-up with signage and community education and would work with the school districts to notify parents and students of the changes.