Elmhurst Panel Mulling E-Bike, Scooter Rules

ELMHURST, IL – An Elmhurst committee is considering a proposal for greater restrictions on electric bicycles and scooters.

As in other suburbs, many Elmhurst residents are clamoring for such restrictions.

In June, a 14-year-old Elmhurst boy riding an electric bicycle struck a woman leaving a business in the 500 block of South York Street. Under state law, his bike was classified as a motorcycle.

The boy was charged with driving a motor vehicle on a sidewalk, no valid driver's license, no registration and driving an uninsured car, police said.

The boy's father was charged with permitting an unlicensed driver to drive a motor vehicle.

Several of the city's proposed rules would reflect state law:

• Riders of higher-powered Class 3 electric bicycles must be at least 16.
• Electric bicyclists can operate on city streets and bike paths, but are barred from city sidewalks.
• Off-highway motorcycles, non-highway vehicles and electric mobility devices with motors greater than 750 watts are banned on city streets, sidewalks and paths. An exception is made for motorized wheelchairs.
• No passengers are permitted on low-speed electric scooters.
• Electric scooters cannot be used on state or county roads or any roads with speed limits of 35 mph or higher. Crossing such roads is permissible at designated crosswalks and in compliance with traffic signals.

Under the city proposal, citations of $80 would be given for electric scooter, electric bicycle and off-highway vehicle violations. The local ordinance also would prohibit an adult from knowingly permitting youths to violate rules for electric bicycles, electric scooters and off-highway vehicles.

The city is also considering a ban on bicycles, scooters and skateboards, regardless of whether they are human- or electric-powered, in downtown and the Spring Road and York and Vallette business districts.

The draft proposal states, "Consideration was given to local regulations that were aligned with State and local laws, easily communicated and understood by the public and tailored to identified safety concerns."

The public safety committee plans to discuss the proposed rules at its meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall.