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Highland Park council approves updated e‑bike ordinance, sets stiffer fines for eMotos
Summary
The Highland Park City Council adopted an amended ordinance on e‑bikes and motor‑driven vehicles (6–1) and approved a related fee resolution that sets minimum fines for eMotos in 2026; the ordinance takes effect immediately and fines take effect Jan. 1, 2026.
The Highland Park City Council on Nov. 24 approved an updated ordinance governing motor‑driven vehicles, including class 1–3 e‑bikes, and a separate fee resolution that increases penalties for certain violations.
City Manager Geeta Newkirk told the council the ordinance permits class 1, 2 and 3 e‑bikes “where bicycles are permitted in the community,” clarifies that low‑speed e‑bikes are prohibited on sidewalks and explicitly allows e‑bikes on the Skokie Valley and McLaury bike paths notwithstanding older code language. Newkirk also noted the city had waived a driver’s‑license requirement for operators 16 and older in the ordinance language.
Debate centered on trail safety and jurisdictional limits. Council Member Littler thanked staff for clarifying the code but said the Green Bay Trail is too narrow for powered cycles and announced she would oppose the measure, saying, “I will not be voting in favor,” citing safety concerns for pedestrians on narrower segments. Other council members said they had been persuaded that allowing e‑bikes where conventional bicycles are allowed — with sidewalk bans preserved — better aligned with regional practice and connectivity to neighboring municipalities.
Councilors and staff discussed enforcement and outreach. Newkirk said the ordinance takes effect immediately and recommended a public education effort shared with school districts, the park district and neighboring municipalities. On enforcement, the council approved an annual fee resolution that sets penalties for violations: non‑eMoto violations generally fall in a $100–$500 range, while eMoto-related violations for 2026 would carry a minimum fine of $1,000 and could increase for repeat offenses after administrative hearings.
The council voted to approve item 4 as amended by a 6–1 tally, with Littler voting no. The fee resolution (item 6) passed unanimously; staff said the fee schedule included in the resolution takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.
The ordinance and fee changes rely on code sections discussed in the meeting and staff said further cleanup of related language in chapter 75 of the municipal code will follow to remove conflicting provisions.
