Northbrook board flags e-bikes, pocket bikes and scooters for tighter rules; police to return with recommendations

Village President Ciesla told the Board of Trustees on June 10 that the village will pursue clearer rules and possible limits for personal motor vehicles — including classed e-bikes, motorized scooters and unlicensed pocket or dirt bikes — and that the police department will return with recommendations.

Ciesla said Illinois law already regulates e-bikes by class and restricts sidewalk use, but he warned that unregulated pocket and dirt bikes sold to teenagers are “not allowed by state law to be on the roads” and can reach high speeds. He said the police chief provided a memo to the village and will bring recommendations to an upcoming meeting addressing vehicle definitions, operating areas, age restrictions, helmet requirements and enforcement, including possible parental citations.

The president called out differences among three classes of e-bikes, noting classes 1 and 2 are limited to about 20 mph while class 3 is limited to about 28 mph, and reiterated that riders must be 16 or older under state law. He also urged parents not to buy unlicensed mini‑motorcycles for minors and said Northbrook will consider local measures to tighten enforcement where state law allows.

Village officials offered several topics the police department may address in its report: how to define “personal use motor vehicles” for local regulation, whether certain machines should be limited to parks or designated streets, age and helmet rules for riders under 18, and whether enforcement should include liability for guardians. Ciesla said other municipalities use a mix of citations aimed at both riders and parents and that Northbrook will review options to maintain public safety.

The board did not take formal action at the June 10 meeting; the president said the police department will present formal recommendations at a future meeting for possible ordinance or policy changes.