Title
title
An Ordinance Amending the Oak Park Village Code Regarding E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and Motorized Mobility Devices
..end
Introduction
overview
This is a proposed ordinance to amend the Village’s code regarding e-bikes, e-scooters, and motorized mobility devices. The ordinance mirrors the bill regulating e-bikes, e-scooters, and motorized mobility devices. Adopting this ordinance at this time adopts the regulations that were passed in the 104th General Assembly this spring for uniform, statewide enforcement. These regulations are likely to be signed by the Governor into law in the near future. The new statewide regulations are set to take place on January 1, 2027.
end
body
Recommended Action
Adopt the ordinance.
Prior Board Action
The Village Board discussed e-bikes at this meeting.
Background
The ordinance mirrors pending statewide regulation and provides a statewide framework for safety, education, and enforcement. The benefit of passing this ordinance prior to the bill becoming law is that the more restrictive regulations would take effect in the Village sooner than January 1, 2027, assuming the Bill becomes law.
Timing Considerations
If no action is taken at this time, the proposed ordinance will still take effect statewide on January 1, 2027.
Financial Impact
There is no budget impact with this item aside from internal staff time for education and enforcement. Fines for these violations would follow Section 1-1-5 of the Village Code, which allows fines of $20-$750 if a ticket is issued. The fine amount would be set by the administrative law judge based on the circumstances
Operations Impact
There is no budget impact with this item aside from internal staff time for education and enforcement. Fines for these violations would follow Section 1-1-5 of the Village Code, which allows fines of $20-$750 if a ticket is issued. The fine amount would be set by the administrative law judge based on the circumstances.
DEI Impact
The item would impact families who have purchased devices for underage riders who will not be legally authorized to ride.
Community Input
The Police Department and Village Law Department attended the Transportation Commission and the Health Commission meetings last month to seek feedback regarding the staff recommendation. Both commissions approved of the recommendation to adopt Senate Bill 3484 early (as shown in the attached draft ordinance).
The Community Policing Unit conducted zone meetings in the months of June and July and discussed the present local ordinances, current state law, and the pending Bill. The attendance at the meetings ranged from 20 to 30 residents who strongly recommended enhanced regulation for safety reasons.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the ordinance.
Advantages:
• This action will help inform community members about changing e-bike regulations through education and enforcement.
• This action introduces regulation to the Village that is consistent with pending state regulations, which will supersede Village ordinances on January 1, 2027.
Disadvantages:
• Residents and users of e-bikes in Oak Park may not be aware of pending changes to Village and statewide regulations yet.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can reject the Ordinance.
Advantages:
• Current Village and State regulations regarding e-bikes will remain until January 1, 2027.
Disadvantages:
• This action may result in a delay in updating regulations surrounding e-bikes.
Alternative 2:
The Board can delay action and seek additional information.
Advantages:
• The Board will be provided with the additional information requested.
Disadvantages:
• This action may result in a delay in updating regulations surrounding e-bikes.
Alternative 3:
The Village Board can delay action and focus only on safety education until the pending new law takes effect.
Advantages:
• This action provides the Village with time to begin educating residents and e-bike users in Oak Park on pending changes to e-bike regulations statewide and in the Village.
Disadvantages:
• This action does not provide the Village with enforcement mechanisms until the new law takes effect.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item.
Prepared By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Reviewed By: Lisa Shelley, Deputy Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Ordinance