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Riverwoods discusses e-bikes and e-scooters; board favors public education and following state law for now
Summary
After a staff presentation on e-bikes, e‑scooters and motor-driven cycles, trustees agreed to default to Illinois state law and to increase resident education about rules and safety rather than adopt new local prohibitions immediately.
The Village of Riverwoods held an extended discussion about the regulation of electrically assisted bicycles, stand-up scooters and motor-driven cycles after a staff presentation reviewing state definitions, age restrictions and local options.
Presentation highlights and legal context - Illinois divides e-bikes into three classes: Class 1 (pedal-assist to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle-assist up to 20 mph) and Class 3 (pedal-assist up to 28 mph). The state caps electric-assist motors at 750 watts for these low-speed categories. - Low-speed e-scooters are governed by state law but municipal authorization is required to allow their operation on streets; high-speed scooters fall into a municipality’s regulatory discretion. - Motor-driven cycles (small gas or electric mopeds/motorcycles) are treated under motor-vehicle laws; some vehicles that reach higher speeds are equivalent to motor-driven cycles and require titling and a motorcycle license.
Board concerns and practical enforcement - Trustees and police raised enforcement challenges: officers cannot always identify an e-bike class by sight and many devices lack consistent manufacturer markings; people often pass through multiple neighboring jurisdictions with inconsistent rules. - Chief of Police reported limited formal complaints this year (five since Jan. 1) and noted that officers have used informal parental contact when juveniles were found on sensitive properties such as golf courses. - Trustees and staff said the patchwork of local laws around the region—some villages outlaw certain devices, others follow state law—creates confusion for visitors and enforcement personnel.
Outcome: education, not new local prohibition - The board did not adopt new local restrictions. Instead trustees favored public education: explain state rules in the village newsletter, remind residents that sidewalks are off-limits for e-bikes under state law, and highlight the Ion Water app and other safety resources where relevant. - Trustees asked staff to prepare outreach materials explaining the current Illinois classifications and local guidance (including where devices are not authorized) and to monitor complaints and incidents.
Ending: Trustees said they would revisit a local ordinance only if community complaints increased or regional law changes created a need for local regulation.
