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Villa Park adopts ordinance regulating low-speed electric scooters
Summary
The Village Board of Villa Park on July 23 approved an ordinance amending the municipal code to authorize and regulate low-speed electric scooters, and directed staff to pursue education and follow-up ordinances for e-bikes and other motorized devices.
The Village Board of Trustees of Villa Park on July 23 approved an ordinance amending section 14-115 of the Villa Park Municipal Code to authorize and regulate the operation of low-speed electric scooters within the village.
Staff presented the ordinance as a code amendment that would allow operation of low-speed electric scooters under specified rules; Chief Todd Kubish attended to answer enforcement questions. Trustee Kumar moved the ordinance; Trustee Cordova seconded. The ordinance passed on a roll-call/voice vote with Trustees Cordova, Cozart, Kumar and Sabri voting in favor.
Board discussion and public comments centered on safety, enforcement, and whether other devices should be included. Several residents told the board they fear collisions near schools and on the Prairie Path. Janine Majeski, who lives across from Hardmore Elementary School, described a recent incident in which a child on a fast-moving bike left the playground and rode into traffic and said she is worried about school-start safety. Patrice Gallagher and other members of the public urged rules and an outreach campaign for the Prairie Path and other trails.
Trustees asked whether the ordinance should cover gas-powered scooters and e-bikes. Manager Rivas said staff will bring a follow-on (trailer) ordinance and a separate ordinance on e-bikes to the August meeting rather than expand the current ordinance immediately. Trustee Kumar noted Illinois class distinctions for e-bikes and said the village’s awareness campaign should include e-bikes and safety guidance for parents. Manager Rivas and others said county guidance classifies class 1 and 2 electric bicycles as allowed on the Prairie Path while motorized, non–self-propelled vehicles are not, and staff said they will coordinate outreach with local schools.
The board and staff said the village will pursue an awareness campaign about the new rules, publicize fine structures and school outreach, and evaluate whether additional ordinance changes are needed later to cover gas-powered scooters or hoverboards.
Residents and trustees also asked about enforcement and fines; the ordinance sets the framework for permitted low-speed scooters while staff and police continue to refine enforcement details and fee schedules.
