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Batavia officials are preparing to draft a local ordinance aimed at improving safety around e-bikes, electric scooters, and other fast-growing “e-mobility” devices — especially as spring and summer riding season approaches.
The issue was the primary discussion point during the Batavia Committee of the Whole meeting on February 16.
Here’s what to know:
Focus on safety: Police said the goal isn’t to discourage e-mobility, but to address unsafe riding downtown, on sidewalks, and on shared-use paths — including riders weaving too close to pedestrians or ignoring traffic controls.
High-powered devices: Officials repeatedly referenced electric dirt bikes and “e-motos” that can reach speeds well above 20 miles per hour. These are often sold online and don’t fit cleanly into current Illinois policies.
Enforcement requirements: The city wants rules that will allow officers to handle violations locally instead of relying on state-level citations that can carry harsher consequences, especially for kids.
Helmets, phones, and parents: Council members showed support for requiring helmets for minors, prohibiting phone use while riding, and adding a parental responsibility provision (particularly when adults buy powerful devices for young riders).
In city documents, staff said they plan to work with legal counsel, BATAC, and Ride Illinois — with hopes to have a proposed ordinance in front of City Council before the end of March.
View the presentation from the meeting and a city memo on the topic.
Watch the full meeting discussion recording.
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