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Burr Ridge board adopts ordinance restricting electric scooters and motorized play vehicles on sidewalks and pathways
Summary
The Burr Ridge Board approved an ordinance to prohibit electric scooters and a broad class of 'motorized play vehicles' on public sidewalks and pathways, clarifying that low-speed electric bicycles remain permitted on streets per state law; the board cited safety concerns and police complaints (31 in the prior year).
On March 10, 2025, the Mayor and Board of Trustees of the Village of Burr Ridge voted unanimously to proceed with an ordinance restricting the operation of electric scooters and a catch‑all category defined as 'motorized play vehicles' (examples cited: go-karts, hoverboards) on public sidewalks and public pathways. The ordinance keeps low‑speed electric bicycles permitted on public streets in accordance with state law but directs that they be prohibited on public sidewalks and pathways in the village.
Staff introduced the revised, more restrictive draft and said enforcement would proceed through the village’s administrative adjudication process; fines were described as ranging from $100 to $750 per day per violation and the ordinance includes parental liability for minors. Evan and Deputy Chief Dave Allen told the board that enforcement has practical limits—many calls result in the riders leaving before police arrive—and that the village would emphasize education and warnings before citations.
Deputy Chief Dave Allen said the village received 31 complaints about motorized vehicles last year (24 the year prior), and described the bulk of incidents as involving young riders, often on private property or gone before police arrival. “Where we’re coming from is more of a safety issue,” he told trustees, urging education and measured enforcement.
Public commenters supported strong restrictions. Resident George Daker told the board the devices are “totally unsafe” around busy streets and urged an outright ban; Mary Bradley and others sought clarity about whether traditional pedal bicycles or existing multi‑use pathways would be affected. Trustees amended the draft to make explicit that low‑speed electric bicycles are permitted on streets per state law but are prohibited on public sidewalks and pathways, and to ensure the ordinance’s language refers to both "pathways and sidewalks." The chair then moved the ordinance as amended; roll call recorded unanimous support from the trustees present and the motion passed.
What happens next: The ordinance was prepared as amended and will follow the village’s adoption/administrative process; staff and police indicated they'll pursue an education-first approach and may explore agreements with private property owners (the Village Center) for enforcement on private property where feasible.
