Highland Park changes course to allow e-bikes, but violation fines to double to $1,000

Electric bicycles will coexist with other traffic on streets and trails in Highland Park in 2026; though, the fine for violating restrictions is set to double to $1,000 in the new year, the City Council said in approving an amended ordinance at its Nov. 24 meeting.

Despite several councilmembers expressing safety concerns, the council approved the amendment allowing e-bikes except for on sidewalks and areas where signage prohibits them. 

The decision amends the council’s July controversial decision to prohibit all e-bikes and e-scooters from parks and trails, including the Green Bay Trail.

“What’s in front of us is a very commonsense, inclusionary approach that also prioritizes safety,” Councilmember Jon Center said in supporting the amended ordinance that also requires front and back lights and brakes in good order. 

With all councilmembers present, Councilmember Annette Lidawer cast the sole “no” vote.

She explained, “I still have a problem with having e-bikes on the local (trails), like the Green Bay Trail. I think it’s too narrow.”

Lidawer asked about the punishments for violating the ordinance. City Manager Ghida Neukirch said the fines for e-motos, or electric bikes, are “not less than $1,000,” as described in the city’s 2026 fee schedule, which the council approved along with the 2026 budget — that includes several fee hikes — at the same meeting.

In the council’s open discussion about the ordinance amendment to the 1968 code for motor driven vehicles, councilmembers focused on electric bicycles, or “e-moto cycles” with electric motors exceeding 750 watts. When the ordinance was written, these e-bikes didn’t exist. 

The amended ordinance allows youth under 16 to use an e-bike when a parent or guardian accompanies them. According to a change to the existing ordinance, those under 16 are not required to possess a driver’s license. Toy vehicles and wheelchairs are exempt from the regulations. 

The electric bicycles must be equipped with a rear-view mirror at all times and with a front light that shines ahead 500 feet and a back red reflector or lamp visible for 600 feet, the ordinance says.

Councilmember Yumi Ross said while she is concerned about safety to pedestrians and others on the Green Bay Trail, she also is aware people depend on their e-bikes on the trail.

“I’m going to support this,” she said, noting the Illinois legislature is looking at a measure involving driver’s licenses for e-bike riders. “I’d like to consider whatever they decide for the sake of consistency. … I want to keep an eye on this and know what the accident reports are.”

Highland Park is part of a working group of managers, law enforcement personnel and attorneys who are collecting information about area e-bike ordinances to make a recommendation to Illinois officials for new statewide e-bike legislation, Neukirch said.

“We need to do something consistent throughout the state, because bicyclists don’t just stay in one municipality going around in circles,” said Mayor Nancy Rotering, who pointed out the city is in the Northwest Municipal Conference of 43 municipalities representing 1.8 million people.

Councilmember Anthony Blumberg said he has expressed a preference not to have powered vehicles on the Green Bay Trail, but he acknowledged bicycles are allowed on the Green Bay Trail and it connects with trails in other municipalities allowing bicycles. He voted to support the ordinance.

Without reservation, Councilmember Barisa Bruckman supported the amended ordinance.

“Safety is still our No. 1 priority for all ages,” she said, stressing the importance of signage so people are aware of the speed limit and where the bikes are prohibited. 

The city manager has the authority to direct signage prohibiting the e-bikes where beneficial for safety reasons, Village counsel Steve Elrod said.

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