Village Of Deerfield: Ordinance Regarding Motor-Driven Vehicles On Table

Press release from the Village of Deerfield:

The Village of Deerfield Board of Trustees is reviewing a proposed ordinance to regulate the use of motor-driven vehicles, such as scooters and bicycles that are powered by an electric or gas motor and not a pedal, on public streets, sidewalks and other public spaces in Deerfield. The proposal is in response to resident complaints and reports of accidents involving these vehicles.

The ordinance is scheduled for first reading and discussion on May 5, with final consideration expected on May 19. Village Board meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall.

What’s Included in the Proposal?The ordinance defines “motor-driven vehicles” as any vehicle for which the State of Illinois does not issue a title document, does not issue license plates or registration documents, and is a solely powered electric or gas driven wheeled vehicle, motor driven cycle (with an engine of less than 150cc), or other similar vehicle, and includes all Low-Speed Electric Scooters. This includes electric scooters and motorized bikes. It does not apply to motorized wheelchairs, children’s toy vehicles, or traditional bicycles and pedal-assisted e-bikes.

Key Provisions of the Ordinance:

• Riders of high speed electric scooters must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Riders of low speed electric scooters must be 18, in compliance with State law.
• Motor-driven vehicles would be prohibited on sidewalks, bike paths, parks and other public property.
• Use would be restricted to streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less. This would prohibit use on Deerfield Road, Waukegan Road, Lake Cook Road and Wilmot Road, for example.
• Vehicles must follow rules of the road, as defined by the Illinois Secretary of State.
• Exemptions include toy vehicles used by children and mobility devices for individuals with disabilities.

Penalties for Violations:

• Fines for violations would start at $100, and parents or guardians may be responsible for minors who break the rules.

This press release was produced by the Village of Deerfield. The views expressed here are the author’s own.