PRINCETON, Ill. (KWQC) – Illinois officials are encouraging riders to get more familiar with new statewide guidance for e-scooters, e-bikes and other electric micromobility devices.
The legislation, which passed the Illinois General Assembly and awaits action from Gov. JB Pritzker, establishes a statewide framework for regulating e-bikes, e-scooters and other electric mobility devices.
The measure creates uniform classifications and operating standards while adding new requirements for certain higher-speed devices.
Under the framework, electric scooters and similar devices are generally allowed in bike lanes, on bike paths and on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
On roads with higher speed limits, they may only operate where a bike lane is available. Sidewalk riding is prohibited, and the covered devices are limited to speeds of 28 mph. Riders of electric micromobility devices must also be at least 16 years old.
Cheyenne Leigh, a Princeton parent, said she has noticed e-scooters becoming increasingly common.
“It has become more popular,” she said. “Our neighbors have them and we’ve seen them all around.”
Leigh said she understands why families enjoy using the devices but also sees the need for safety measures.
“I see the safety issues, especially if they’re around the playground area with little children,” she said. “But I also see where the park seems like the perfect place for them to go so they’re not on sidewalks and they’re not in the streets where they could be hit.”
She said those concerns became more personal after witnessing a close call involving a child riding an e-bike.
“We were working concessions and there was a child that came through pretty fast and almost hit a toddler, about an hour later, that same child had hit a vehicle and had to be taken to the hospital,” Leigh said. “Had some pretty serious injuries from it. So yeah, they can be dangerous.”
While the state establishes general operating standards, local governments will continue to play a role.
Cities, park districts and other local agencies can regulate the use of these devices on their own properties, including parks, trails and other public spaces.
Officials also note that some higher-powered e-bikes and e-motos will be subject to additional requirements, including a driver’s license, title, registration and insurance.
In Iowa, most low-speed e-bike rules are set by individual cities. The exception is e-bikes that can travel faster than 28 mph. Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate those.
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