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Resident urges education and 15 mph limit for bike paths as e‑motos grow
Summary
A local rider recommended that the village align local rules with pending state law on powerful e‑motorized vehicles, encourage 15 mph limits on paths, and emphasize signage and education so youth continue riding safely.
During the town hall portion of the July 21 Village of Bartlett meeting, Terry Witt of 471 South Western Avenue urged the board to prepare a local ordinance that reflects pending state rules for powerful electric motorized vehicles.
"What's been issued by Bartlett on the subject of ebikes, it's the best in the suburbs," Witt said, commending local guidance. He recommended 15 mph speed limits on shared paths, asked riders to keep right and announce left passes, and urged an education campaign with clear signage that distinguishes high‑powered e‑motos (which he said belong on streets) from lower‑powered bikes and scooters.
Witt noted the state secretary of state's website and said a bill was awaiting the governor's signature and that local language should mirror any final state standard. He also cautioned against placing high‑power e‑motos on multiuse paths: "They should be motorcycles because they are as powerful as motorcycles, and they should be on the roads. And they're definitely not on the paths," he said.
The board acknowledged the issue as timely; later agenda items and staff follow‑ups may incorporate the state law once it is finalized. At the meeting, officials did not enact an ordinance but received public comment and signaled future coordination on local rules and signage.
