Burr Ridge Bans E-Scooters, 'Motorized Play Vehicles'

BURR RIDGE, IL – Burr Ridge trustees on Monday strengthened local rules on electric scooters and "motorized play vehicles."

The new regulations take effect immediately.

Under the rules, bicycles, both pedal and electric, would still be allowed on public roads and banned on sidewalks and pathways.

Meanwhile, electric scooters and motorized play vehicles such as go-karts and single-wheel boards would be prohibited on public roads, sidewalks and pathways.

Under the rules, all violations would be addressed through the village's administrative court. Fines would range from $100 to $750 per day per violation.

But village officials said the rules would be mainly enforced through education and "community engagement," rather than citations. That's particularly the case because many of the violators are smaller children, officials said.

Several residents spoke in favor of stricter regulations. One referred to 79th Street, which has an asphalt pathway.

"The kids I see going up and down 79th Street are junior high boys," resident George Daker said. "They are very disrespectful. I've called the police several times. Of course, the kids are gone (by the time police arrive)."

He called for a prohibition, adding, "I hate to be a party pooper."

Burr Ridge resident George Daker on Monday calls for tougher regulations for children on electric bicycles and other such vehicles. (David Giuliani/Patch)

Deputy Police Chief David Allen said his department's position was safety. He said residents have called about children's unsafe behavior with the vehicles in question.

Many of the calls are from the Village Center shopping complex, where police can't enforce the regulations because it's private property, he said.

In dealing with such issues, the department avoids giving tickets, he said.

"At the very worst, we could impound the vehicle, but that's not something we would do most of the time," Allen said.

In November, officials presented a preliminary proposal allowing e-bikes, e-scooters and similar vehicles on village sidewalks and pathways at a maximum of 10 mph.

At the time, trustees pushed stricter regulations, calling for an outright prohibition on sidewalks and pathways.

On Monday, trustees unanimously approved the new rules.