E-Bikes, E-Scooters Now Allowed In Plainfield, But With These Rules

PLAINFIELD, IL — The Plainfield Village Board adopted a new ordinance Sept. 15 regulating the use of e-bikes and e-scooters in town.

Trustees voted 4-2 — with trustees Tom Ruane and Brian Wojowski in opposition — to approve an ordinance amending Chapter 5, Section 5-12 of the Code of Ordinances to regulate "motorized vehicles which cannot be licensed." Before this, e-bikes and e-scooters were "completely not allowed," Police Chief Robert Miller said at the meeting.

The ordinance also serves as a tool to help the Plainfield Police Department regulate riders.

"We promise we're not trying to be the fun police... but when something becomes the #1 quality of life complaint in town (looking at you, wild e-scooter riders), it's time to step in," police officials wrote on Facebook.

The new ordinance implements age restrictions on e-scooters and e-bikes and designates where it is lawful to ride them. The Plainfield Police Department provided a chart to help locals break down the rules.

The bikes are allowed in the Central Business District, except during special events, as long as riders are at least 16 years old, Police Chief Robert Miller said at the Village Board meeting. Riders younger than 16 should note that e-bikes and e-scooters are not allowed on any street with a speed limit exceeding 30 mph, unless there are designated bike lanes, the Board decided.

"We love seeing folks get around town in fun, eco-friendly ways, but we also want to keep everyone safe," police wrote on Facebook. "These new rules aren’t about ruining your ride... they're about making sure you and your neighbors can enjoy the Village without the chaos."

The Plainfield Village Board plans to reassess the ordinance within the next year, likely in the summer, to determine if changes need to be made.

"I think we are coming up with at least a reasonable solution to allow e-bikes," Miller said. "Who knows, maybe three months from now or six months from now, if something changes or we need to reconvene and amend our current ordinance, then I think we absolutely should."