La Grange board weighs tighter rules for e‑bikes, e‑scooters after resident complaints

President Kukler opened the discussion on Oct. 13, asking the village attorney and police chief to brief trustees about possible local regulation of e‑bikes, e‑scooters and other electric mobility devices.

Attorney Ben Schuessler told the board that state vehicle law covers some low‑speed classes of e‑bikes and scooters but leaves a gap for many higher‑speed or imported devices. “There are devices that don’t satisfy the definition under the state law of the vehicle code — instead they are essentially mini‑motorcycles that are not regulated by state law,” Schuessler said, and urged the board to choose rules that are enforceable locally.

Police Chief Griffin said complaints have been frequent and largely involve juveniles. “These complaints are generally associated with juveniles,” he said, describing near misses at intersections and riders who sometimes flee officers. Griffin recommended clear, practical rules and a public education campaign so communities don’t rely solely on citations.

Trustees debated several tradeoffs. Several members supported a minimum age requirement tied to a driver’s license — a recurring proposal was to require 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds to hold a driver’s license to operate most motor‑driven devices, with the restriction lifting at 18 — while keeping the state’s 18‑year rule for low‑speed electric scooters. Board members stressed the difference between pedal‑assist e‑bikes and throttle‑only e‑motos, with several trustees favoring a rule that allowed only pedal‑assist models and prohibited throttle‑only “dirt‑bike” style devices from public roadways.

Trustees also focused on location and equipment rules. The emerging consensus the attorney recorded would allow bicycles on sidewalks outside the downtown business district, bar their use on downtown sidewalks, require lights and reflectors, and prohibit operation that prevents the rider from maintaining both hands on the handlebars. The board asked staff to analyze helmet requirements (particularly for minors), enforceability of speed or modification restrictions and options for administrative adjudication or citation rather than seizure.

Several residents urged quick action. Bob Nelson, a longtime resident, said he had seen scooters drive between restaurant patrons and pass cars in the wrong lane, and asked the village to “pass the necessary education and the local regulations you can.” Justin Hansen, who said he lives on a busy corner near downtown, told trustees the draft ordinance “is broad enough and adequately addresses the deficiencies in state law.”

The board did not vote on regulations but gave staff clear direction to prepare ordinance language — including the pedal‑assist requirement, age/license thresholds, downtown sidewalk limitations, equipment standards and an education plan — with the possibility of a formal vote at the next regular meeting.

The village will share a draft ordinance with trustees prior to the next meeting for additional comment.