Committee of the Whole

Special Committee of the Whole - Feb 16 2026 Agenda Monday, February 16, 2026 at 7:05 PM or Immediately following the City Council Meeting 100 N. Island Ave, Batavia, IL 60510 in the City Council Chambers For viewing purposes only, the meeting will be broadcast live on BATV’s YouTube channel which can be accessed from their website at myBATV.com at https://www.youtube.com/user/BATV1017 Page 1. Roll Call 2. Reminder: Please speak into the microphone for BATV recording 3. Items removed, added, or changed 4. Matters from the Public (For items NOT on the Agenda) 5. Regular Agenda 5.1 Discussion: E-Mobility Discussion and Local Regulation 3 - 29 COB E-Bike Discussion.pdf E-Mobility Local Regulation Memo.pdf Ride Illinois Model Ordinance - Rolling Meadows.pdf 6. City Council Updates 6.1 Project Status 6.2 Other Business 7. Adjournment Individuals with disabilities should notify the City Administrator's office at 630-454-2053 if they have a disability which will require special assistance or services and, if so, what services are Page 1 of 29 required. This notification should occur as far as possible before the City-sponsored function, program or meeting. Page 2 of 29  Batavia E-Mobility Discussion: Local Regulation Batavia Police Department and Batavia Active Transportation Advisory Commission Page 3 of 29  E-Mobility Benefits  Reduces vehicle traffic and parking demand by providing alternatives to motor vehicles  Remains a valid source of physical activity / exercise.  Allows those with physical or mobility issues to utilize alternative transportation  Reduces sound pollution  Reduces air pollution Page 4 of 29  Purpose of discussion Safety Concerns:  Operating equipment in an unsafe manner: • Riding too close to pedestrians or in congested areas (downtown) • Disregard for traffic control devices  Additional concerns for child riders: • Lack of proper safety gear • Unfamiliar with rules of the road / lack of understanding • Lack of parental oversight for young riders  Some riders have not stopped or pulled over when signaled by officers  Complaints of high-speed e-mobility devices on shared paths causing dangerous conditions. Page 5 of 29  Purpose of discussion Unregulated Vehicles / Devices not Defined by State Law:  E-Bikes are well-defined by state law, but public lacks understanding of the difference between E-bikes and other e-Mobility devices. • Leads to purchases of unregulated or high-powered devices. • Use of high-powered devices on bike paths or by  Primary Concern: Off-Highway motorcycles / electric dirt bikes (e-Motos). • Used on shared paths, sidewalks, roadways.  High-powered electric motorcycles and mini-motos are not defined in Illinois statute  Often exceed 750 watts or lack functional pedals  Municipalities frequently regulate these as motor vehicles  Clear local definitions are essential for enforcement and prosecution Page 6 of 29  Purpose of discussion  Enforcement Challenges: • Limited resources to address behavior • Can be difficult to gauge rider age and/or vehicle type from afar • Difficult to gauge vehicle speed, radar has limited effectiveness. • Dangerous driving behavior often occurs in obscure areas where enforcement is impractical. • Unclear state laws in some cases. Page 7 of 29  Objective  To develop safe, equitable, and enforceable regulations for the use of e-Mobility devices with the Batavia city limits.  Create regulations that are reflective of the community’s priorities and that address specific local problems or concerns.  To provide an enforcement mechanism for unsafe behavior that removes prosecution from state court to local prosecution. Benefits of local prosecution: • Often community-focused • Lower-level crimes • Prosecutor may have more flexibility • Frequently lighter penalties Page 8 of 29  Regulation Risk  Laws and rules vary by city, making adaptation of e-mobility difficult for riders and bystanders. = Rider and Public Confusion  Objective: • Enact local regulation that is easy to understand, easy to enforce, and closely aligns with existing state law. Page 9 of 29  Illinois Law: E-Bikes Defined (625 ILCS 5/1-140.10) Sec. 1-140.10. Low-speed electric bicycle. A bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets the requirements of one of the following classes: Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Motor assistance only Motor assistance without Motor assistance only when pedaling pedaling (throttle) when pedaling Motor assistantace stops Motor assist stops when Motor assist stops when when bike reaches 20 mph bike reaches 20 mph bike reaches 28 mph No age requirement No age requirement Age requirement: 16+ No drivers license required  E-bikes are treated like bicycles under Illinois traffic law  E-bikes are prohibited from sidewalks statewide  Must be labeled with classification, top assisted speed, motor wattage Page 10 of 29  Helmets and Insurance are not required  Legally, e-bikes may only be sold in adult sizes  Pedals NOT Pegs e-Bikes must have operable pedals: All other devices, regardless of how they are ridden upon, are NOT e-Bikes according to Illinois law. E-Motos (aka Out-of-Class Electric vehicles):  Off-Highway Motorcycles  Electric Dirt-Bikes  Other Page 11 of 29  E-Moto Information & Concerns  Often exceed 750 watts and/or lack functional pedals  Are capable of exceeding 20 MPH on motorized propulsion alone when the throttle is engaged  Falsely sold and advertised as e-Bikes  Unregulated (state is considering regulation and working with Ride Illinois)  State of Illinois would often classify these as motor driven cycles  They are subject to license and registration requirements of a motor vehicle  Operators could be cited for traffic misdemeanors without appropriate local ordinances in place  Clear local definitions are essential for enforcement and prosecution Page 12 of 29  Illinois Law: Electric Scooters  State Definition: A low-speed electric scooter is a device weighing less than 100 pounds, with two or three wheels, handlebars and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding that is powered by an electric motor and human power with a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour (mph). It is not a moped or motor-driven cycle.  Electric scooters are not automatically permitted under state law  Local ordinance is required to authorize low-speed electric scooter use  If a municipality chooses to authorize the use of low-speed electric scooters, they must act in accordance with all restrictions for use provided by P.A. 103-0899: • A person may not operate a low-speed electric scooter on a highway where the posted speed limit exceeds 35 mph. • A person must be 18 years of age or older to operate a low-speed electric scooter. • A low-speed electric scooter may be parked in the same manner and at the same locations as a bicycle. Page 13 of 29  Illinois Law: Electric Scooters  There is no state definition for an e-scooter that exceeds 10 MPH.  There may be an opportunity to define a local classification of scooter, since the state only defines a “Low-speed” electric scooter. • Recommended by Ride Illinois • Faster scooters should maintain at least those restrictions in place for low speed (18+, etc.) Page 14 of 29  Local Authority Under State Law  Cities may regulate conduct, speed, equipment, and age requirements  Park and forest preserve districts have similar regulatory authority Page 15 of 29  Potential Local Safety Regulations: Rider Conduct Helmet requirement for Prohibit mobile phone use riders under 16 while riding No passengers unless Parental oversight during device is designed for use or responsibility for multiple riders actions of minor Prohibit reckless conduct Yield requirement when and reckless riding approaching pedestrians Page 16 of 29  Potential Local Safety Regulations: Speed & Location Local speed limits on Mandatory dismount zones in shared-use paths (e.g., 15 or dense downtown areas 20 mph) Prohibit e-Motos on public Prohibit all e-mobility devices property without license and on sidewalks (or speed registration threshold, if appropriate) Designate permitted trail and Restrict high-powered devices path locations by signage to roadways only Page 17 of 29  Potential Local Safety Regulations: Equipment Nighttime riding lighting Reflectors or reflective requirements material required Audible warning device (bell Brakes capable of stopping or horn) required within a defined distance Manufacturer class label Prohibit modified or tampered required on all e-bikes speed governors Page 18 of 29  Ride Illinois Recommendations Page 19 of 29  Enforcement & Penalty Structure  Emphasize education over hefty fines and penalties • Graduated enforcement: Warning or low initial fine for first time violators Increasing penalties for repeat offenders  Authority to impound devices for repeat or reckless violations  Use local prosecution rather than criminal court Page 20 of 29  Education, Outreach, and Visibility  Public education campaign prior to enforcement  Partnerships with schools, bike shops, and community groups • Safety awareness initiatives • Rules of the road • Parent tips  Clear signage on trails, sidewalks, and downtown areas Page 21 of 29  Key Takeaways  State law already permits most low-speed e-bikes under bicycle rules • Local regulation and public education can improve compliance and understanding  Local regulation is most impactful for e-scooters, micromobility devices, and high-powered devices  Clear, simple rules improve compliance and officer safety  Balanced regulation protects riders, pedestrians, and motorists Page 22 of 29  Discussion / Direction Page 23 of 29 Agenda Topic: Discussion: E-Mobility Discussion and Local Regulation From: Eric Blowers, Chief of Police Date: February 12, 2026 Materials: Presentation, Ride Illinois model ordinance (Rolling Meadows). Staff Contact(s): Chief Eric Blowers Strategic Plan or Other Safety and Wellbeing Goal(s): Purpose of Agenda Item The purpose of this agenda item is to share information regarding existing Illinois laws involving various e-mobility devices and to facilitate discussion about the benefits and challenges related to local regulation of these devices. Background Information/History Staff has worked collaboratively with the Batavia Active Transportation Advisory Commission following mutual interest in local regulation of e-mobility devices. This mutual interest developed due to legitimate safety concerns related to rider behavior observed throughout the region, as well as concerns about unregulated vehicles and devices that are not defined by state law. Reasonable local ordinance regulations can improve safety and understanding of e-mobility laws while still ensuring the benefits of e-mobility devices are accessible and may be enjoyed by the community. Staff has reviewed local ordinances from municipalities throughout the Chicagoland area and referred to materials and information provided by Ride Illinois. Staff recommends that council consider local regulation of e-mobility devices to improve the city’s ability to regulate these devices, provide a reasonable enforcement mechanism when necessary, and serve as a tool to educate and improve community understanding of e-mobility rules. Staff consulted with legal counsel about this potential local regulation. Analysis and Implications for Policy, Budget, and Communications Pursuing local regulation of e-mobility devices will have minimal impact on the city budget. Costs incurred may include staff time, legal fees, and educational materials. These costs are expected to be negligible. Local regulation will create opportunities for public engagement and provide the Police Page 24 of 29 Department and BATAC a platform upon which to provide educational materials and information to the public. Next Steps If council directs staff to work on local regulation of e-mobility devices, staff will work collaboratively with legal counsel, BATAC, and Ride Illinois to craft an appropriate local ordinance. If so directed, staff intends to have a proposed ordinance to City Council before the end of March to ensure the ordinance and educational efforts are in place prior to the spring and summer riding seasons. Attachments • Presentation • Ride Illinois model ordinance for municipalities (Rolling Meadows) Page 25 of 29  ORDINANCE NO. 25-51 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106, ENTITLED “TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES,” OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, ROLLING MEADOWS, ILLINOIS, IN ORDER TO REGULATE THE USE OF LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLES WITHIN THE CITY OF ROLLING MEADOWS WHEREAS, the Illinois Municipal Code, 65 ILCS 5/1-2-1, provides that the corporate authorities of each municipality may pass all ordinances and make all rules and regulations proper or necessary, to carry into effect the powers granted to municipalities, with such fines or penalties as may be deemed proper; and WHEREAS, the City of Rolling Meadows is a home rule Illinois municipality pursuant to the Constitution of the State of Illinois of 1970, as amended; and WHEREAS, Section 11-80-2 of the Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/11-80-2) grants to the corporate authorities of each municipality the power to regulate the use of streets or other municipal property; and WHEREAS, Section 11-1517 of the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-1517) regulates the operation of low-speed electric bicycles; and WHEREAS, the corporate authorities of the City of Rolling Meadows have determined that it is in the best interests of the City to regulate the operation of low-speed electric bicycles within the corporate limits of the City, consistent with Section 11-1517 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Rolling Meadows, Cook County, State of Illinois, as follows: Section 1: The foregoing recitals shall be and are hereby incorporated herein as the findings of the corporate authorities. Section 2: Article I, entitled “Local Regulations”, of Chapter 106, entitled “Traffic and Vehicles”, of the Code of Ordinances, Rolling Meadows, Illinois, shall be and is hereby amended to add a new Section 106-35.2, entitled “Low-Speed Electric Bicycles”, as follows: Sec. 106-35.2. – Low-Speed Electric Bicycles (a) Definitions. (1) Low-Speed Electric Bicycle. A low-speed electric bicycle means a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (that is not a moped, e-moto, motor driven cycle, minibike or pocket bike) that meets the requirements of one of the following classes: Page 1 of 4 1320142-4 Page 26 of 29  i. Class 1 low-speed electric bicycle means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour. ii. Class 2 low-speed electric bicycle means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour. iii. Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour. (2) Incorporation of Terms Defined in Illinois Vehicle Code. Unless otherwise defined in this code, terms in this section shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Illinois Vehicle Code. (b) Designated Areas of Operation of Low-Speed Electric Bicycles. (1) A person may operate a low-speed electric bicycle upon any highway, street, or roadway in the City authorized for use by bicycles, including, but not limited to, bicycle lanes. (2) A person may operate a low-speed electric bicycle upon any bicycle path in the City. (3) A person may not operate a low-speed electric bicycle on a sidewalk in the City. (c) Rules and Regulations Applicable to Low-Speed Electric Bicycles. (1) Rules of general applicability: i. No person shall knowingly tamper or modify the speed capability or engagement of a low-speed electric bicycle without complying with the requirements of 625 ILCS 5/11-1517. ii. No person shall operate a low-speed electric bicycle with a conscious disregard for the safety of others and/or the operator, which poses a substantial and unjustifiable risk to the safety of the operator or others. Reckless operation does not have to result in injury. iii. Every person operating a low-speed electric bicycle upon a roadway shall obey all traffic rules applicable to vehicles. (2) Rules specifically applicable to Class 1 electric bicycles: i. A Class 1 low-speed electric bicycle shall operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the rider stops pedaling. Page 2 of 4 1320142-4 Page 27 of 29  (3) Rules specifically applicable to Class 2 low-speed electric bicycles: i. A Class 2 low-speed electric bicycle shall operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the brakes are applied. (4) Rules specifically applicable to Class 3 low-speed electric bicycles: i. A person may operate a Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle only if he or she is 16 years of age or older. A person who is less than 16 years of age may ride as a passenger on a Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle that is designed to accommodate passengers. ii. A Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle shall operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the rider stops pedaling. iii. Each Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle shall be equipped with a speedometer that displays the speed the bicycle is traveling in miles per hour. (d) Violations – Penalty. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine of not less than $50.00 for the first offense, $100.00 for the second offense and $500.00 for the third offense. Any offenses after the third offense shall be subject to a fine of not less than $750.00. The police shall have the authority to impound the low-speed electric bicycle, subject to the code hearing unit adjudication provisions of chapter 3 of the City Code of Ordinances of the City of Rolling Meadows, Cook County, Illinois. An offense committed by a minor under the direct control or with the consent of a parent or guardian may subject the parent or guardian to the penalties provided in this section. Section 3: Section 106-35 of Article I, entitled “Local Regulations”, of Chapter 106, entitled “Traffic and Vehicles”, of the Code of Ordinances, Rolling Meadows, Illinois, shall be and is hereby amended to revise paragraph (a) and the title of said Section 106-35 to read as follows: Sec. 106-35. - Operation of motor driven cycles, e-motos, minibikes and pocket bikes. (a) Restricted. No person shall operate a motor driven cycle (as defined in Section 1- 145.001 of the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/1-145.001)), e-moto, minibike or pocket bike upon any public street, sidewalk, parking lot, bike path, park or on any other public property. An e-moto means a motor driven cycle that has an electric motor with a power output exceeding 750 watts and is equipped with a dedicated throttle and without operable pedals. Section 4: All ordinances, resolutions and policies or parts thereof, in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are, to the extent of the conflict, expressly repealed on the effective date of this Ordinance. Page 3 of 4 1320142-4 Page 28 of 29  Section 5: If any provision of this Ordinance or application thereof to any person or circumstances is ruled unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Ordinance that can be given effect without the invalid application or provision, and each invalid provision or invalid application of this Ordinance is severable. Section 6: The headings/captions identifying the various sections and subsections of this Ordinance are for reference only and do not define, modify, expand or limit any of the terms or provisions of the Ordinance. Section 7: The clerk is directed by the corporate authorities to publish this Ordinance in pamphlet form. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect 10 days after its passage and publication in accordance with Section 1-2-4 of the Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/1-2-4). PASSED this 9th day of September, 2025, by the City Council of the City of Rolling Meadows on a roll call vote as follows: AYES: Koehler, McHale, O’Brien, Vinezeano, Boucher, Reyez NAYS: Budmats ABSENT: 0 ______________________________ Lara Sanoica, Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________ Judith Brose, Deputy City Clerk Published this 19th day of September, 2025. _____________________________ Judith Brose, Deputy City Clerk Page 4 of 4 1320142-4 Page 29 of 29