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Greendale board approves ordinance restricting e-bikes and e-scooters, adds helmet requirement for riders under 16
Summary
The Village Board adopted a new ordinance regulating electric bicycles and scooters, defining vehicle classes, where they may operate, and requiring helmets for riders under 16; enforcement will emphasize education with citation authority retained.
The Village of Greendale Village Board on a unanimous roll call voted to adopt an ordinance setting rules for electric bicycles and electric scooters, clarifying vehicle classes, permitted locations and safety requirements.
Village Attorney (speaker 10) told trustees the draft ordinance, based on state statute, creates three e-bike classes with maximum assisted speeds (Class 1 and 2: 20 mph; Class 3: 28 mph) and defines an electric scooter category. The rules allow Class 1 and 2 bikes on bikeways and most roadways, restrict Class 3 bikes from multi-use trails designated for non-motorized use, and prohibit scooters on roadways with speed limits above 25 mph. The ordinance also bans commercial scooter rentals and allows the Village Board to designate additional restricted areas by resolution; all park paths and nature trails are off-limits to motorized use.
Trustees amended the ordinance to clarify helmet requirements after several raised concerns about youth safety on sidewalks and paths. The adopted amendment requires helmets for riders under 16 at all times and corrects a drafting error in the packet language that had reversed the intended age threshold. "I think the intent is that they must wear a helmet," the village attorney said during discussion. Police Chief Roesdahl (speaker 11) told the board enforcement will be primarily educational: "in most cases it's gonna be us trying to counsel for the violation unless we're dealing with somebody on a regular basis," though the ordinance retains citation authority with fines available under the code.
Trustees also asked staff to prepare clear public-facing information—an explanatory brochure and a web page—so residents and parents can understand class differences, where each device is allowed, parking rules to preserve ADA access, and the helmet requirement. The board discussed exceptions for medically necessary mobility devices and confirmed those are treated under a different definition and remain permitted on sidewalks.
The ordinance passed by unanimous roll call. Board members emphasized an outreach period following adoption and said officers will carry printed guidance to hand out during initial enforcement encounters. The board did not set an immediate effective date in the discussion; implementation logistics and any follow-up communications will be handled by staff.
