Bolingbrook adopts ordinance regulating e-bikes, recommends minimum operator age of 13

On June 24, 2025, the Bolingbrook Village Board adopted Ordinance 25-019 to regulate electric bicycles, motor-driven bicycles, go-carts and motorized scooters within village limits, voting 6-0. The ordinance amends Section 50-4 of the Bolingbrook Village Code to clarify which e-bikes may operate on public roads and to address abandonment and related enforcement issues.

Police Chief Michael Rompa said the ordinance "was designed to keep the >750-watt e-bikes off the sidewalks and streets and out of the hands of youth too young and inexperienced to handle that kind of power." He told the board the ordinance mirrors state e-bike classifications while differing on age language: "The difference between the two is that the language of the State law specifies a minimum age of 16, and our Ordinance suggests a minimum age of 13." Chief Rompa advised residents to contact the Bolingbrook Police Department with questions about specific vehicles.

Administrators clarified enforcement scope: some trails are designated multi-use while others prohibit bikes and are controlled by signage; the police can enforce traffic laws under reciprocal agreements with landowners. Board members and staff also discussed abandonment provisions and the village's limited authority to require private businesses to install bike racks.

The ordinance passed by roll call with Trustees Carpanzano, Doris, Kelly, Lawler, Patel and Quintero voting yea and no recorded nays or abstentions. The meeting minutes do not specify an effective date for the ordinance.

Public comments during the meeting included residents asking whether enforcement would cover places such as the DuPage River Greenway and seeking clarification about the ordinance's interaction with state law. Those questions were answered in the meeting by police and administrative staff.