New E-Bike & Scooter Ordinance

On August 12, 2025, the Village Board of Trustees passed Ordinance 25-23 amending the Municipal Code to better regulate electric bikes (e-bikes) and similar devices, enhancing safety standards in the Village. View Ordinance 25-23 to review the adopted language. See the E-Bike & Scooter Ordinance Flyer and FAQ below for more information.

If you have any questions, call the Morton Grove Police Department Community Liaisons Justin Jurasz and Sean Lang at 847-663-3804 or 847-663-3813 or email [email protected].

E-Bike & Scooter Ordinance Flyer

FAQ

Do these new regulations apply to low-speed e-bikes or e-scooters? 
Yes. These regulations apply to Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes, as well as low-speed e-scooters and e-scooters. 

Do these regulations place restrictions on children’s use of e-bikes or e-scooters? 
Yes. The regulations include age restrictions. 

• For Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes, riders must be 16 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license, unless under direct supervision of a parent or guardian. 
• For e-scooters, riders must be 16 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license unless under direct supervision of a parent or guardian. 
• For Low-Speed Electric Scooters, riders must be 18 years of age or older.  This provision is pursuant to state law (625 ILCS 5/11-1518) 
• Children may continue to operate toy vehicles (under 8 years old, <10mph, while supervised) 

Are e-bikes or e-scooters permitted in public parks or trails?
 E-bikes and e-scooters pose unique safety risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and riders along trails and in public parks. Riders may not use these vehicles in parks or on trails.  Only class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on Cook County Forest Preserve Property (https://fpdcc.com/things-to-do/bicycling/)  The Morton Grove Park District is in the process of implementing signage prohibiting the use of e-bikes and e-scooters. 

Are e-bikes or e-scooters permitted on the sidewalk? 

• Class 1 E-Bikes: Can be operated on sidewalks and streets. 
• Class 2 & 3 E-Bikes: Can only be operated on the street. 
• Electric Scooters: Can only be operated on streets with a speed limit less than 35 mph. Prohibited on sidewalks. 
• Low-Speed Scooters: Can only be used on sidewalks. 

My child is under the age of 16 but already has an e-bike or e-scooter. Are they still able to ride it? 
Provided they are accompanied by an adult and in compliance with state law and village ordinance regarding their specific vehicle type, children under age 16 may ride their e-bikes or e-scooters.  No one under 18 years of age can operate a Low-Speed Electric Scooter pursuant to Illinois Law. 

My child is over the age of 16 but does not have a driver’s license. Are they still able to ride their e-bike? 
They must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to ride an e-bike if they do not have a driver's license. 

My child is over the age of 16 and has their driver’s license. Why can’t they ride their low-speed e-scooter independently? 
In accordance with state law, riders must be at least 18 years old to operate a Low-Speed e-scooter independently. 

Why did the Village research and develop these new regulations? 
The Village has experienced a rise in safety concerns regarding e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles. These concerns included reports of unsafe operation, accidents, and general safety issues. The Village’s goal is to implement regulations to prevent future accidents and unsafe situations. Previously, the Village’s local ordinance prohibited all e-bikes and e-scooters. It was important for the Village to clarify what these terms mean and what laws apply to their use, especially given that these vehicles pose increased risks to pedestrian or cyclist users of shared spaces like sidewalks and roadways. 

Why are e-bikes and e-scooters treated differently from bikes or scooters that are solely human-powered? 
E-bikes and e-scooters can reach high speeds, particularly relative to pedestrians in shared spaces. These vehicles are often difficult for drivers and pedestrians to detect, particularly at speed, which can result in more serious injury to the rider or pedestrian in the event of a collision. 

Have other communities adopted similar regulations? 
Yes. The Village has reviewed similar code amendments in other municipalities, including the City of Highland Park, Lake Forest, Evanston, Wilmette, Schaumburg, Park Ridge, and the Villages of Roselle, Lemont, and Hinsdale. The Village’s regulations are consistent with the approach in these neighboring communities, which aim to promote the safe operation of these devices on shared public property. 

What are the light/reflector requirements?
When used after sunset, e-bikes and e-scooters must: 

• Have a white light on the front that is visible from a distance of at least 500 ft.;
• Have a red rear reflector visible from 50 to 600 ft.; OR 
• Have a red light on the rear that is visible from a distance of 500 ft. 

What if I have modified my vehicle? 
Modifications to the vehicle’s original manufactured design are prohibited. 

Does this ordinance apply to motorized wheelchairs?  
No. Motorized wheelchairs and toy vehicles are exempt. 

What are some examples of toy vehicles?  
Toy vehicles are designed to be operated by children younger than 8 with adult supervision. Examples include Big Wheels and Razor scooters. 

What are some examples of prohibited non-highway vehicles?
No persons shall operate a non-highway vehicle upon any public street, sidewalk, alley, parking lot, bike path, park, or on any other property within the Village of Morton Grove, or on any private property without the express consent of the owner. 

A non-highway vehicle shall mean any battery operated, electric, or gas driven all-terrain vehicle, golf cart, off-highway motorcycle, recreational off-highway vehicle, go-cart, minibike, motorized skateboard, electric bicycles other than those defined in 5-14-1(A), self-balancing 1 or 2 wheeled device, or other similar motor driven vehicle for which the state of Illinois does not issue a title document and does not issue license plates or registration document.