The Arlington Heights Village Board voted 5-3 on Nov. 17 to amend the village code's mobility-device rules, approving three revisions intended to balance safety and access.

Trustee Tashjie Dunnington moved the changes, which Trustee Zick seconded. Dunnington said the amendments would make the ordinance less restrictive for people who rely on motorized mobility devices for access, including residents with disabilities, younger users who have completed safety training and lower-income residents who use such devices for short trips.

The three changes approved: remove the phrase "or capable of" from the definition of low-speed and standard mobility devices so regulation is based on actual operating speed rather than a device's maximum capability; allow operators who achieve a silver-or-higher score on Ride Illinois (the "Ride Illinois bicycle safety quiz") to operate standard mobility devices even if under the current age threshold; and allow standard mobility devices on shared-use paths when operated at 15 miles per hour or less.

Village Manager Reklaus and police leadership cautioned the board that the changes create enforcement challenges. Reklaus said officers rely on simple, observable rules; a device that appears capable of high speeds but is being operated slowly may be indistinguishable from one designed for lower speeds. The police representative said certificates present practical verification problems because public databases for third-party training programs do not exist; an officer at the scene could not reliably confirm a juvenile's claimed certificate without the person carrying tangible proof.

Trustee Bertucci asked whether the amendment could allow high-powered vehicles to be operated on sidewalks by being throttled down; police staff warned that some e-mopeds and scooters can reach very high top speeds and that removing the capability clause would change how "out of class" devices are defined and enforced.

Trustee Dunnington and public commenters including Rob and Ryan Bennett argued the changes would improve equity and mobility, noting shared-use paths are designed for higher speeds than sidewalks and that safety-focused training could be an alternative to age-based prohibitions.

After extended discussion about age limits, certificate logistics and enforcement discretion, the board took a roll-call vote. Clerk Maggie recorded five ayes and three nays, and the motion carried. Staff will update the ordinance language to reflect the board's direction and continue the village's public information campaign on the new rules.

What's next: the village attorney and staff will revise the formal ordinance text for placement on a future agenda for final adoption and will incorporate enforcement guidance for police communications and public outreach.