Romeoville sets age, helmet and location rules for e‑scooters and e‑bikes

The Village Board adopted an amendment April 15 to chapter 78 of the Romeoville code to regulate e‑scooters and e‑bikes, setting device‑class age requirements, helmet rules and location restrictions.

Chief (police) described the safety rationale behind the measure, saying the village has seen a significant increase in e‑scooter and e‑bike use and that the draft ordinance establishes "clear age appropriate guidelines" to address safety concerns for riders, pedestrians and vehicle traffic. Under the approved ordinance, low‑speed electric scooters (10 mph or less) and class B electric scooters require operators to be at least 16; class 1 and class 2 e‑bikes that provide assistance up to 20 mph require operators to be at least 14; class 3 e‑bikes that provide assistance up to 28 mph require operators to be at least 16 and to possess a valid state ID. The ordinance also requires helmets for operators under 16 on class 1 and class 2 e‑bikes and restricts use of devices on roadways that have posted speed limits above 35 mph. A parental liability section is included in the ordinance text.

Village staff noted a minor discrepancy between the ordinance draft and the manager's statement concerning the age for class 1 and 2 e‑bikes; the board approved the ordinance as amended to reflect age 14 for class 1 and 2. The chief said the police department plans an education effort beginning the next morning to inform residents about the new rules.

Next steps: staff will publish the ordinance language and the police department will begin public education; the village will monitor outcomes and may return to the board for adjustments if needed.