Bolingbrook's E-Bike, Scooter Ordinance: What To Know

BOLINGBROOK, IL — At its Tuesday meeting, the Bolingbrook Village Board approved an ordinance regulating the use of electric bikes, motor-driven bikes, go-carts and motorized scooters.

The issue of electric bikes and motorized scooters is one that is impacting communities across the Chicago area. Just this week, Hinsdale has enacted tough rules for e-bikes and motorized scooters; including a ban on those younger than 18 from riding e-scooters.

During public comment at Tuesday's meeting, some residents expressed concerns about the way the ordinance was currently written for parking and abandonment rules. The ordinance currently reads that no person shall park or secure any type of bike or scooter to fire hydrants, railings, benches, trees, trash receptacles, parking meters, light poles or street signs.

However, residents said that there aren't many bike racks in Bolingbrook, and sometimes they don't have any other option for securing their bike.

Police Chief Mike Rompa said there has been "a lot of back-and-forth with this ordinance."

Rompa said the ordinance "recommends" that all operators of e-bikes be 13 years old.

"The spirit of this ordinance is to obviously promote safety," Rompa said. Rompa held up a picture of a motorized bike, which looked like a small dirt bike. He said that these bikes can go up to 50 mph.

"An individual under 16 years of age should not be operating this on the street," Rompa said. "This is no different than an ATV or a real dirt bike."

Rompa said those types of motorized bikes are not licensable; you can't get a license plate or registration on these types of bikes, and they are not insured.

"It's making it dangerous for pedestrians, and also vehicle operators in our community," Rompa said.

The ordinance prohibits any e-Bike or electric scooter with a motor larger than 750 watts.

"There are electronic bikes with pedals; those are OK. You can still operate those on the roadway," Rompa said.

Rompa added that if you can't figure out how your bike figures in to the ordinance, you can reach out to the police department.

Rompa said the only difference between the Village's ordinance and current state statute, is that the new ordinance will only allow electric scooters to be operated on sidewalks.

"We would like to get the scooters onto the sidewalk," Rompa said. "We think that's a safer, more compatible environment."

The Board unanimously passed the ordinance.