Naperville changes e-bike ordinance to restrict use on trails

Naperville’s city council is following the lead of the park and forest preserve districts in keeping certain e-bikes off its multiuse paths.

City council members Tuesday updated their ordinances to prohibit the use of Class 3 e-bikes, or electric bikes that can reach a speed of 28 mph, from the paths. In adopting the ordinance, city officials noted the Naperville Park District and the DuPage County Forest Preserve District, both of which own many of the trails in the city, have already prohibited Class 3 e-bikes.

“We stayed consistent with that so as to not confuse the bicyclists in town,” Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres said. “Our intent was consistency with our community partners.”

Personal mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, will be allowed on city pathways or trails.

The city’s ordinance also sets 16 as the minimum age for operating an e-bike and 18 for an e-scooter. Parents or guardians of minors who violate the restrictions also can be held accountable, according to the city’s ordinances.

City council members also cited safety concerns, city fatalities or accidents involving younger users as a reason for the age limits.

“The hope is we don’t see that in Naperville and that we save some lives tonight,” Councilman Ian Holzhauer said.

Fines for violating the city’s ordinance can range from $100 to $500 a day, and e-bikes or e-scooters may be impounded.

Other communities, such as Des Plaines and Buffalo Grove, have recently enacted restrictions on e-bikes and e-scooters.

E-bikes and e-scooters are prohibited on Naperville sidewalks but are allowed on dedicated street bike lanes. E-scooters are also permitted on multiuse paths in Naperville.