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Morton Grove adopts ordinance limiting motorized scooters, sets 16-year licensing minimum for e-bikes
Summary
After public comment about a scooter injury at Harr Park, the Village Board adopted Ordinance 25-23 to regulate motor-driven scooters and electric bicycles, require a driver’s license for permitted devices (minimum age 16), and classify self‑balancing cycles as non‑highway vehicles. Trustees voted 5–0.
The Morton Grove Village Board on Aug. 12 adopted Ordinance 25-23, which adds rules to the municipal code governing motor-driven scooters and electric bicycles and establishes enforcement expectations for guardians of minors.
The ordinance, approved on a 5–0 roll-call vote, requires operators of the class of e-bikes allowed under the code to be at least 16 years old and to possess a valid driver’s license. The ordinance also clarifies that self‑balancing one- and two‑wheel cycles are to be treated as non‑highway vehicles, subject to more restrictive prohibitions under the village code.
Resident Mrs. Pauley told the board during public comment that her 5-year-old son was struck by a motorized scooter while she was supervising youth baseball tryouts at Harr Park, producing facial abrasions and an unexpected hospital bill. “My son got ran over by just scooter with 2 people standing on it,” she said. She urged the village to act before a more serious injury occurs.
Village administrator Chuck Meyer said the adopted changes reflect edits since the first reading, including lowering the licensing age from 18 to 16. Meyer said staff will create a web page and outreach materials to explain the new expectations and compliance steps for residents and schools.
Trustees asked staff to coordinate with the Park District to post signage in parks and to clarify enforcement responsibilities. Trustee Phil noted that the Park District is developing its own approach and urged the village to work with park staff to get signs posted quickly. Chuck Meyer confirmed the ordinance places responsibility for minors’ actions with their guardians.
Motion to adopt Ordinance 25-23 was made by Trustee Minkx and seconded by Trustee Khan. The roll-call vote recorded Ayes from Trustees Khan, Minkx, Shiva, Phil and Travis; the ordinance passed 5–0.
Staff said next steps will include publishing the ordinance and outreach materials on the village website and coordinating with schools and park officials to notify residents.
