Oak Lawn Implements Ban on Low-Speed Electric Scooters

In a decisive move to bolster community safety, Oak Lawn trustees have unanimously approved an amendment to the village traffic code, effectively prohibiting low-speed electric scooters with a maximum speed of 10 mph.

This decision aligns with the Illinois Vehicle Code and reflects growing concerns over the unregulated use of such devices.

Trustee Jamie Pembroke, a retired driver's education instructor, highlighted the issue, noting that many young riders exhibit a lack of adherence to traffic rules.

He observed that for these riders, "stopping at signs and riding on the right side of the street is optional."

The ordinance distinguishes between general electric scooters and low-speed variants.

Low-speed electric scooters, defined as weighing under 100 pounds and capped at 10 mph, are now explicitly banned in Oak Lawn.

Higher-speed electric scooters, capable of reaching up to 40 mph, are also restricted unless they are properly titled and registered in Illinois.

Operators of these faster scooters must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver's license.

Additional safety measures include mandatory front and rear lights for nighttime use, functional brakes, and prohibitions against carrying passengers or loads that could impair control.

Riders are required to travel in single file with traffic, yield to pedestrians, and use hand signals for turning and stopping.

Clinging to other vehicles while riding is strictly forbidden.

Oak Lawn joins a growing list of municipalities, including Evergreen Park, Palos Heights, Hinsdale, Fox Lake, and Elk Grove Village, that have enacted similar bans on low-speed e-scooters.

These measures come in response to incidents like the one in Elmhurst, where a 14-year-old boy on an electric bicycle collided with a pedestrian, underscoring the potential dangers associated with these devices.

Trustee Pembroke emphasized the importance of this ordinance for the village's safety.

He acknowledged that while the new rules might upset some residents who have invested in scooters for their children, the primary concern is safety.

He noted an increasing number of parents reporting close calls involving e-scooters.

In the coming weeks, Oak Lawn police will issue warnings to e-scooter and e-bike operators as the village considers revising fines for violations.

Under the Illinois Vehicle Code, fines can reach up to $750 for infractions, but village officials are exploring the possibility of reducing these penalties.