Will County delays decision on low-speed vehicles, e-bikes and motorized pedal cycles for further drafting

The Will County Ad Hoc Ordinance Review Committee postponed consideration of Chapter 75, which governs motorized pedal cycles, low-speed vehicles and e-bikes, until the November meeting after members raised safety and enforcement concerns and asked the sheriff’s office and land-use staff to draft targeted language.

Committee members said they have seen golf-cart-like vehicles and e-scooters operating on county roads and expressed worry about mixing slow-moving devices with traffic on county highways. The committee asked legal staff and the sheriff’s office to develop options — including a prohibition on low-speed vehicles on county highways or specific rules that would govern where these devices may travel and what equipment and licensing they require.

Why it matters: low-speed vehicles and e-bikes present enforcement and safety trade-offs on county roads. Local rules may affect residents, businesses, and municipal partners; the committee wanted the sheriff’s office to weigh in on practical enforcement and safety concerns before the ordinance advances.

Discussion highlights
- Committee members reported seeing low-speed devices operating in traffic and expressed concern about public safety, child passengers and seat-belt use.
- The county’s legal representative explained the statutory definition of a “low-speed vehicle” (20–25 mph, special plate/requirements) and noted that many devices circulating locally are modified golf carts or scooters that may not meet the state definition.
- Members discussed options the county or municipalities may adopt: registering golf carts, banning low-speed vehicles from county highways, or permitting them only under specific safety and equipment standards.

Committee action
The committee moved to postpone Chapter 75 to its November meeting and directed staff to consult with the sheriff’s office and land use department to produce draft language for the committee’s review.

Ending
The committee declined to adopt broad, county-wide rules at this meeting and chose to seek a staff proposal that balances safety, enforcement feasibility and the needs of rural and municipal jurisdictions.