Des Plaines, Buffalo Grove set restrictions for e-bikes and e-scooters

Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, Des Plaines and Buffalo Grove officials have finalized rules for riding e-bikes, e-scooters and other types of battery-powered vehicles in their communities.

The regulations differ in each town, just as they differ in other suburbs that enacted similar ordinances as the now-omnipresent devices grew in popularity this year. The rules are effective immediately in both communities.

In Des Plaines, e-bikes, e-scooters and similar vehicles that are capable of exceeding 28 mph are forbidden on public streets, public sidewalks and in public parking lots. Riding through a city parking lot to reach a destination is OK, however, officials clarified before Monday’s unanimous vote.

Among other rules, anyone under 16 years old is prohibited from operating less-powerful e-bikes or similar vehicles on public streets or public sidewalks and in public parking lots. Motorized vehicles that are considered toys for young children and can’t go more than 10 mph may only be operated on sidewalks, within crosswalks or on private property.

Violations could result in fines starting at $75.

In Buffalo Grove, low-speed electric scooters are permitted on public sidewalks and village-owned bike paths, and in parks and parking lots. Low-speed e-bikes are banned from public sidewalks, however. Some low-speed e-bikes are prohibited on bike paths and at parks, too.

More powerful e-vehicles only are permitted on private property, with the owner's consent.

While no one under 16 or without a valid driver’s license is allowed to operate any motor-driven vehicle on public streets in Buffalo Grove, village officials set the minimum age for using low-speed e-scooters on public streets at 18.

Fines of at least $100 are possible for scofflaws. But police officers will have discretion when it comes to writing tickets, Village Manager Dane Bragg said.

“We're not going to have police officers out writing $100 tickets willy nilly,” he said. “We can educate children and parents about what the regulations are and get compliance that way.”

Buffalo Grove’s regulations were developed with Buffalo Grove Park District officials. That agency’s board will vote on proposed rules Dec. 15.

“This coordinated approach ensures predictable rules for our residents and visitors, regardless of who owns or maintains the property,” Deputy Police Chief Tara Anderson told the village board Monday.

Regulations for e-bikes and similar machines have been added to the books in Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Libertyville, Schaumburg and other suburbs.