Mayor Nancy Rotering and the Highland Park City Council on Nov. 24 approved an ordinance amending section 71.36 of the city code to update how motor-driven bicycles and similar vehicles are regulated. The ordinance allows Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes in locations where bicycles are permitted, clarifies that low-speed e-bikes are prohibited on sidewalks and preserves manager authority to post no-e-bike zones. The council approved the ordinance as amended by a 6-1 vote; Council member Littleware voted no.

City Manager Gita Newkirk, who presented the staff report, said the revised language reflects the councils earlier policy direction and explicitly permits e-bikes "where bicycles are permitted in the community." She told the council the update was intended to make the ordinance clearer and to control potential conflicts with older language in chapter 75 of the municipal code.

Council debate focused on safety and trail use. Council member Littleware said she opposed allowing e-bikes on the Green Bay Trail and stated on the record that she "will not be voting in favor" because she believed the change was too broad for that trail. Other council members, including Council member Bloomberg and Council member Ross, said they were persuaded by the policy balance and by the need for regional consistency with neighboring municipalities.

The council also approved a related annual fee resolution that sets penalties for violations of the motor-driven vehicle provisions. Under the fee schedule discussed for 2026, violations related to e-motos would carry fines of not less than $1,000; other violations under section 71 generally range from $100 to $500, with subsequent offenses subject to higher penalties through administrative hearing processes. Staff said the ordinance takes effect immediately, while the higher specific fees take effect Jan. 1, 2026, per the fee resolution.

Council and staff noted cross-jurisdictional issues: the Skokie Valley Trail is owned by Lake County and chapter 75 of the code includes an older definition of "bicycle" limited to human-powered bikes. Staff said section 71.36 is intended to control over older provisions and promised a future code clean-up to reconcile definitions and remove ambiguities. The city manager also said the city is coordinating regionally through councils of government and a working group of municipal managers, law enforcement and attorneys to track and align e-bike ordinances and recommendations for state legislation.

The ordinance and fee resolution will be enforced under the city's administrative hearing process; staff said first offenses will typically begin at the minimum in the stated ranges and may increase for repeat violations based on circumstances.