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La Grange board adopts ordinance tightening rules for e-bikes, scooters; requires operable pedals and age limits
Summary
Trustees unanimously approved an ordinance amending Title 6 (Chs. 2, 4 and 5) to regulate electric bicycles, scooters and similar motor-driven vehicles: Class 2 e-bikes with operable pedals are allowed, operators under 16 are barred unless accompanied by a parent, and 16–17-year-olds must hold a valid driver’s license. The measure takes effect after publication under state law.
The Village of La Grange on Oct. 27 adopted an ordinance updating local rules for electric bicycles, scooters and other motor-driven vehicles, aiming to curb reckless operation downtown and to close a gap between low-speed e-bikes and higher-speed motorized devices.
Trustee O'Brien, who presented the ordinance, said the rewrite updates definitions and enforcement provisions and "I recommend approval of the proposed ordinance amending title 6 chapters 2, 4, and 5 of the Village of La Grange code of ordinances regarding motor driven vehicles." The ordinance clarifies definitions (including Class 2 low-speed electric bicycles in section 6-2-5) and alters section 6-4-20(c) to require that any motor-equipped bicycle have "operable pedals" capable of propelling the bicycle.
The ordinance also includes age and licensing restrictions: no person under 16 may operate a motor-driven vehicle on public streets within the village unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and those 16–17 must possess a valid driver’s license to operate higher-capability devices. The draft also sets equipment requirements such as lamps, reflectors and functioning brakes and a restriction on keeping both hands on handlebars.
Attorney Schuster clarified the timing for enforcement and penalties, saying the change is not immediate: "technically no... it will go into effect after publication in, I think, 8 days." Chief Griffin and village staff said enforcement will be coupled with an education campaign coordinated with schools and the park district to notify families about the new rules.
A resident who spoke during public comment urged the board to focus on rider behavior and safety rather than propulsion: "as someone who has walked down La Grange Road with my 84 year old father... I don't see a huge difference between whether it's an ebike or a regular bike," and supported allowing children to ride under parental supervision. Trustees and staff incorporated that feedback into the draft: the ordinance permits Class 2 e-bikes that have operable pedals but continues to prohibit motor-only mini-bikes and e-motos.
The board voted on the measure by roll call and it "passes unanimously." The ordinance will take effect after statutory publication, which the village attorney said is expected within about a week to 10 days. The village also committed to an outreach and education program to inform residents about the new restrictions and to reduce enforcement surprises.
Next steps: The village will publish the ordinance and roll out education materials; staff said they will provide more details about enforcement timing and outreach channels as the publication date approaches.
