E-Bike, E-Scooter Regulations Up For Vote In Downers Grove

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — The Downers Grove Village Council will vote Tuesday on an ordinance to regulate e-scooters, e-bikes and other micromobility devices in the village.

The e-bike ordinance had a first reading on Oct. 7, with Commissioner Michael Davenport expressing that he believes the village should ensure there is adequate education about e-bikes, e-scooters and their regulations. According to Village Manager David Fieldman, the village has already connected with local school districts and the Downers Grove Park District to coordinate education efforts regarding micromobility devices.

Residents spoke during the public comment portion to share their feedback on the ordinance. Phil Kilakis urged commissioners to require lights for e-bikes and e-scooters, which he said can be hard to see after dark. Commissioners and Acting Mayor Leslie Sadowski-Fugitt said original ordinance calls for lights and reflectors on all bikes, which would apply to micromoblity devices as well.

Another resident, Norm Kerr, inquired about how the village will ensure the new regulations are enforced. To this, Sadowski-Fugitt said they are already making efforts to enforce rules that prevent motor bikes on streets in the village and that enforcement of other micromobility devices will be handled in a similar manner as vehicle traffic enforcement.

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 an electric scooter. These proposed regulations align with Illinois state law.

In addition to other regulations, 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.

Fines of up to $150 are applicable for violating the ordinance rules, with parents of riders 17 and younger responsible for paying any fines.

In late September, Downers Grove police responded to two reports involving kids on e-bikes. In once incident, the driver said four e-bike riders surrounded her car, knocked off her mirror and followed her. Per a police report, another incident involved e-bike riders, one of whom matched a description from the previous incident, throwing items at a security guard at McCullom Park.

Tuesday's village meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.