Lombard board approves first reading of ordinance regulating low-speed electric scooters

The Lombard Village Board of Trustees on May 1 approved on first reading an ordinance that allows but tightly regulates low-speed electric scooters in the village, prohibiting their use on higher-speed and specified downtown streets and setting an education-first enforcement plan.

The ordinance, introduced as a separate action at the meeting, was approved by voice/roll call after a presentation from Lombard Police Chief Graige and brief comments from trustees. Chief Graige said the measure is driven by a new Illinois law and local safety concerns: "Under state law, a low speed electric scooter is defined as a scooter that weighs less than a hundred pounds that has 2 or 3 wheels, handlebars, a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding and is solely powered by electric motor and human power and whose maximum speed with or without human propulsion is more no more than 10 miles per hour." The board voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance on first reading.

Why it matters: the state public act that took effect Aug. 9, 2024, effectively bans scooter operation in Illinois municipalities unless the local unit of government explicitly authorizes it and sets rules. Lombard's ordinance seeks to allow residents who already own scooters to use them lawfully while limiting where and how they can be ridden to reduce collisions and conflicts in busy areas.

Key provisions and limits - Definition and baseline: the ordinance aligns with the state’s definition of a "low speed electric scooter" (under 100 pounds, 2–3 wheels, top speed no…