Electric bicycles, scooters, and other motor-driven personal transportation devices have shifted from novelty to everyday sight across the region. In Northbrook, this rapid rise has brought new mobility options for residents, but also a sharp increase in questions, complaints, and safety concerns. To address these emerging challenges, the Village Board approved an Ordinance Amending Chapters 16 and 24 of the Municipal Code on October 14, 2025, updating local rules for bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, and other motor-driven vehicles. These changes align with State Law while strengthening safety and clarifying where and how these devices can be used.

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT VEHICLE TYPES

To help residents navigate the updated standards, the Village has created a companion matrix that outlines each vehicle category and the rules associated with them. Below is an overview of the key groups defined in the ordinance.

• Traditional Bicycles - Human-powered bicycles with no motor or battery.
  • Sidewalks: Yes, except in the Central Business District
  • Roadways & Bike Paths: Yes; use bike paths when available
  • Parks/Forest Preserve: Check posted rules
  • Private Property: Allowed with owner's permission.
  • Age requirements: No state age restriction
    
    
• Electric Bicycles (E-Bikes) -Illinois law recognizes three classes of e-bikes, all of which have operable pedals and electric motors up to 750 watts.
  • Class 1: Pedal-assist up to 20 mph
  • Class 2: Throttle-assist up to 20 mph
  • Sidewalks: Not allowed
  • Roadways & Bike Paths: Yes; use the bike path when available
  • Parks/Forest Preserve: Generally prohibited; check posted rules
  • Private Property: Allowed with permission from owner
  • Age requirements: No state age restriction
    
    
• Class 3 E-Bikes
  • Pedal-assist up to 28 mph
  • Riders must hold a valid driver’s license
  • Sidewalks: Not allowed
  • Roadways & Bike Paths: Yes, except on roads with limits above 35 mph
  • Parks/Forest Preserve: Generally prohibited
  • Private Property: Allowed with permission
  • Age requirements: Riders must be 18 or older per Illinois law
  • Note: Higher speeds require more skill and greater awareness of traffic laws.
    
    
• Electric Scooters (E-Scooters) -Lightweight electric scooters are under 100 lbs., with two or three wheels, handlebars, and a floorboard for standing, powered solely by an electric motor and human power with maximum speeds more than 10 mph but generally not exceeding 20 mph. 
  • Sidewalks: Yes, except in the Central Business District
  • Roadways & Bike Paths: Yes, except on roads 35+ mph
  • Parks/Forest Preserve: Generally prohibited
  • Private Property: Allowed only with owner's permission
  • Age requirements: 18 or older under Northbrook’s ordinance
  • Note: Because they are slower and smaller than e-bikes, e-scooters are permitted on most sidewalks outside downtown. 
    
    
• Motor-Driven Vehicles (E-Motorcycles / Moto-Bikes) - These vehicles typically operate with motors exceeding 750 watts and can surpass 20 mph on throttle power alone. While some models include pedals, many function primarily as throttle-driven devices. Under the Illinois Vehicle Code, they are not classified as bicycles and are instead regarded as off-highway vehicles. 
  • Lack of pedals
  • Engine exceeds 750 watts
  • Speed exceeds 28 mph
  • Cannot be registered with the State of Illinois
  • Public Streets, Sidewalks, Bike Paths, Parks: Prohibited
  • Private Property: Allowed with owner's permission
  • Note: These vehicles cannot legally operate in public spaces in Northbrook.
    
    

ORDINANCE INFORMATION

• Central Business District: Sidewalk Dismount Zone - Northbrook’s downtown area has dense pedestrian activity tied to shopping, dining, transit, and community events. For safety, all bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters must be walked and not rode on sidewalks in the Central Business District.
  • Boundary:
    West: Shermer Road Metra tracks
    East: Shermer Road and Church Street
    South: Meadow Road and Walters Avenue
    North: Meadow Road and Cherry Lane
• Fines
  • Standard violations: $100–$750 per offense
  • Violations in the Central Business District: $250–$750
• Impoundment - Reckless operation or repeated violations may result in impoundment. A $500 retrieval fee applies.
  
  
• Parental responsibility - Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring minors under 18 comply with the ordinance.
  
  
• Parking rules - Devices must be parked upright using a kickstand, rack, or by carefully placing them against a building. Blocking sidewalks or pedestrian travel paths is prohibited.
  
  
• Public Input and Board Adoption - Throughout summer 2025, the Northbrook Police Department hosted public meetings to gather community feedback on e-bikes, e-scooters, and related mobility devices. An initial draft ordinance was reviewed by the Village Board on August 26, 2025, followed by formal adoption on October 14, 2025.

SAFETY TIPS FOR ALL RIDERS

• Always wear a helmet & reflective clothing 
• Use lights at night
• Ride predictably and at safe speeds
• Yield to pedestrians
• Slow down near driveways and intersections
• Stay off sidewalks when riding e-bikes
• Operate at a controllable speed
• Ride with traffic 
• Holiday reminder: Many of these devices are not appropriate for young children
• Review rules before allowing teens to ride
• Ensure the device matches the rider’s age and skill level
• Regularly check brakes, tires, and batteries