Downers Grove Seeks To Regulate E-Bikes, E-Scooters

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Downers Grove is the most recent among several DuPage County municipalities moving forward with action to regulate e-bikes, e-scooters and similar micromobility devices. The Village Council had a first reading Tuesday of an ordinance intended to put rules in place for these types of vehicles.

Per the proposed ordinance, people who are under the age of 16 cannot operate a Class Three low-speed electric bicycle. People under the age of 18 would be prohibited from operating a low-speed electric scooter. These proposed regulations align with Illinois state law.

Downers Grove's proposed ordinance defines low-speed e-bikes as written in the Illinois Vehicle Code, which defines three classes of low-speed electric bicycles. Class A is defined a pedal bike with a motor that "low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour."

Class B is defined as "a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour."

Class C is defined as "a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour."

The Downers Grove ordinance would make it illegal for riders to "operate a bicycle, low-speed electric bicycle, or personal mobility device at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the then existing conditions. No person shall operate a low-speed electric scooter at a speed greater than ten miles per hour (10) mph regardless of conditions."

As in Illinois state law, people operating a low-speed electric scooter would be prohibited from riding on state highways in Downers Grove or other highways with a speed limit of more than 35 mph.

Other proposed regulations would require groups of e-bikes or e-scooters to ride in single file and would prevent the use of cellphones and similar devices on e-bikes, bicycles and e-scooters.

The proposed ordinance also outlines locations where e-bikes, e-scooters and similar devices would be prohibited. As written, the ordinance allows for bicycles and low-speed electric scooters to be used on streets, shared paths and sidewalks that are not in the downtown core district, downtown business district or where signs prohibit such devices.

The regulations would prohibit low-speed electric bicycles and other personal mobility devices, including pocket bikes, dirt bikes, mini bikes and other non-highway vehicles on shared paths and sidewalks.

Commissioner Leslie Sadowski-Fugitt said older residents may prefer riding e-bikes and e-scooters on sidewalks.

"Some people aren't ready to bike on street," she said.

Commissioner Chris Gilmartin agreed that e-bikes have become "more and more popular with aging residents" and that some e-bike riders "would not be comfortable riding on the street."

Gilmartin said sidewalks usually necessitate a slower pace overall. He said riders may “blow past people” on sidewalks, but said he believes that is a “rider issue” and not strictly an e-bike issue.

Commissioner Rob Roe added that “we also have to be cognizant of looking at a sidewalk on Fairview or Main street or Ogden is different than looking at a sidewalk in a neighborhood.”

Roe said he has an e-scooter that reaches 18 mph that he has used to commute.

He said, “My e-scooter that goes 18 miles an hour is not a legal e-scooter in Downers Grove.," adding that "it is a benefit to jump on your scooter, bring it on the train, ride it downtown" instead of driving.

Gilmartin said he was "struggling" with the requirement that e-scooter riders must be 18 years old, since the legal driving age is 16.

He suggested deferring to the village's home rule status to change the minimum age requirement for e-scooters.

“I would support allowing these bikes on sidewalks and shared paths… start it at 16," Gilmartin said, adding that this would coincide with "the current code, which allows all types of bikes on sidewalks.”

"This is not the ordinance I would write," Mayor Bob Barnett said, but acknowledge it was a good start.

"I wish we could be on sidewalks," Barnett said, adding that he reaches speeds of more than 20 mph on his mountain bike, which is permitted on the sidewalk.

“I think this feels very reactive," Barnett said. "The things we’re talking about allowing are not mostly the things that have everybody scared and upset.”

Commissioner Tammy Sarver expressed a similar sentiment. Sarver said, "It’s mostly 13 or 14 year old boys riding in packs on sidewalks," which she said she believes "poses a bigger risk."

The ordinance additionally outlines safety features that would be required on micromobility devices.

Penalties for violating regulations on micromoblity devices may include fees of $75 to $150 depending on whether the fine is paid within 10 days of the citation. Parents would be responsible for fines imposed upon riders who are 17 years old or younger.

The Downers Grove Village council has asked for clarification on some aspects of the ordinance, including regulations within school zones. A tentative second reading is set for Sept. 2.

Downers Grove's proposed regulations come as several surrounding suburbs work to mitigate the use of e-bikes and e-scooters amid complaints from residents about disruptive and unsafe riders.

Darien recently enacted e-bike rules, with Alderman Ted Schauer saying he had seen "crazy stuff," including wheelies and riding while standing on a seat with "one leg kicked out."

On Aug. 7, Woodridge continued a vote on its proposed e-bike and e-scooter rules, saying they would review the proposed ordinance amendments considering feedback from residents at the meeting. The items will be considered at Woodridge's Aug. 21 village meeting.