Rolling Meadows staff present e‑bike rules, council asks for enforcement, age clarifications

Deputy Police Chief Tony Peluso told the Committee of the Whole the draft ordinance tracks the 2018 Illinois statute by defining three classes of low‑speed electric bicycles and limiting where they may be ridden. "They cannot be operated on sidewalks," Peluso said, emphasizing that Class 3 bikes require a speedometer and an operator age of at least 16.

Council members asked whether the city can set age limits stricter than state law and whether exceeding the speed limit on a Class 3 bike could be treated as "reckless operation." Peluso and staff said the ordinance was drafted to align with state law but that staff would check how far a home‑rule municipality can go on age or enforcement provisions. The city attorney and staff advised the council they would return with clarifications on authority and draft language.

Members also discussed enforcement options and the importance of public education. Peluso urged signage and school outreach and said education should be the primary tool, noting enforcement challenges such as making traffic stops on bicycles. "Education would be the most important component here," he said.

The council did not take final action at Committee of the Whole; the draft ordinance was included in the city council consent package for first reading later the evening as part of a set of zoning and traffic items. Staff will report back with legal guidance about age limits and possible local prohibitions on higher‑power vehicles commonly called "eMotos."