Illinois e-bike law sets new rules for riders, high-speed vehicles, takes effect Jan. 1

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A new Illinois law regulating electric bikes, scooters and other electric mobility devices is set to take effect Jan. 1, creating statewide standards that supporters say will improve safety while critics argue the measure either goes too far or does not go far enough.

The law was signed by Gov. JB Pritzker following a push from emergency room doctors who have reported treating a growing number of people injured while using electric mobility devices, including e-bikes and scooters.

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Electric low- and high-speed bikes, motor bikes, skateboards, scooters and unicycles have become increasingly popular as they share roads and pathways with other users throughout the state.

"These vehicles have caused injuries, have caused fatalities," said state Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago.

The legislation establishes age requirements for low-speed e-bikes and scooters and creates new requirements for electric vehicles capable of traveling faster than 28 mph.

"As it relates to more high-speed vehicles, ones that frankly go the same speed as our cars, we have put in very specific requirements around a license, title, insurance," Villivalam said.

Villivalam, a co-sponsor of the legislation, said the regulations were originally pushed by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. Because lawmakers worked with law enforcement on the bill, Villivalam said he is confident local police departments, including those in Chicago, will enforce the law.

Some businesses in the electric mobility industry, however, say the regulations could hurt sales and limit access.

"My response to that is cars are dangerous, but we're not slowing them down. I think cars cause far more injuries and deaths than any of these do," said Bryce Altaffer, lead technician at Electric Movement in Old Town.

Altaffer said he opposes the law's age requirement of 16 for e-bikes, scooters and skateboards.

While Altaffer argues the law goes too far, Republican Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie said the legislation falls short.

"It was you know pretty hastily put together, and it didn't consider other forms of transportation like UTVs. And I have talked to the Secretary of State about UTVs on several different occasions," McCombie said.

The law takes effect Jan. 1. Villivalam said that as electric vehicle technology continues to evolve, lawmakers will likely revisit and modify the regulations in the future.