The village board has banned most electric scooters and electric bicycles from operating on sidewalks and paths in Fox Lake amid growing concerns about safety.
The Village of Fox Lake said a new ordinance governing the operation of e-bikes and e-scooters within city limits has been enacted.
The Fox Lake Board of Trustees passed Ordinance 8-3-11 on Tuesday and it went into effect on Wednesday.
The new ordinance addresses “growing concerns over safety, speed regulation, and appropriate usage areas” for e-bikes and e-scooters, police officials said.
E-bike and e-scooter use continues to rise in Fox Lake and the ordinance aims to ensure the “safe integration” of the vehicles into shared roadways, trails and public spaces.
The ordinance categorizes e-bikes and e-scooters based on their motor power and top speed ability with specific rules applying to each class.
E-bikes and e-scooters that cannot reach a speed of more than 10 mph are allowed on sidewalks and paths but must yield to pedestrians and any vehicle.
The ordinance says e-bikes and e-scooters capable of exceeding 10 mph are prohibited from sidewalks and pathways.
E-bikes and e-scooters capable of exceeding 10 mph are only allowed to be used on streets and roads under certain conditions.
The operator must possess a valid driver’s license and the electric vehicle must be insured. The operator must also follow all rules and regulations in the Illinois vehicle code.
The Fox Lake Police Department said they remind residents that state law prohibits the use of low-speed electric bicycles or electric scooters, which are incapable of traveling over 10 mph, on any roadway with a posted speed limit above 35 mph.
Anyone with questions regarding the ordinance or how it may affect their neighborhood can call the Fox Lake Police Department at 847-587-3100.