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Wheaton staff to draft limited e-bicycle rules targeting reckless out-of-class electric vehicles
Summary
City staff proposed a narrow local ordinance focused on out-of-class electric vehicles (OCEVs), requiring riders to be 16 or older with a valid driver's license, restricting operation to roadways, and prohibiting reckless operation; Council directed staff to draft the ordinance.
City staff presented a pared-back local approach to electric device regulation that would focus on out-of-class electric vehicles (OCEVs) and reckless operation. Management Analyst Erik Berg said the proposal would require riders of OCEVs to be at least 16, possess a valid driver's license, and operate only on the roadway. "Riders of OCEVs would need to be sixteen years of age or older, have a valid driver’s license, and could only operate on the roadway," Berg said.
Police Chief Princeton J. Youker told council that state statute distinguishes among gas-powered bicycles and low-speed electric bicycles and that many etiquette concerns are already prohibited under the Illinois Rules of the Road. The council discussed which behaviors should be considered reckless, the possibility of interim local regulation while the state revises rules, and ADA-related exceptions for personal mobility devices; Assistant City Manager William Kolschowsky noted some municipalities treat mobility devices differently under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The council directed staff to prepare an ordinance reflecting the provisions discussed for future consideration. Minutes record the direction to staff but do not show a formal vote or ordinance text; staff will return with a draft ordinance for council review.
