Giannoulias says e-scooters, e-bikes on sidewalks a statewide issue as new law on Pritzker's desk

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A statewide safety measure aimed at curbing e-scooter and e-bike use on sidewalks is awaiting the governor's signature after passing the Illinois House and Senate, as officials and pedestrians raise concerns about riders endangering people on foot.

The I-Team obtained new video showing e-scooter and e-bike riders traveling on Chicago sidewalks, swerving around and dodging pedestrians. The issue has persisted since shared scooter services arrived in the city, while individual riders throughout Chicago and Illinois have also purchased their own devices.

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Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said sidewalk riding has become a widespread problem across the state.

"It's been a huge issue throughout Illinois, whether you live in Chicago, or the suburbs or even in rural areas. They're on our sidewalks, causing mayhem, scaring people, scaring families. And again, sidewalks are for pedestrians," Giannoulias said.

Giannoulias spearheaded the statewide e-scooter and e-bike safety bill, which would prohibit riding electric vehicles, such as scooters and bikes, on sidewalks throughout Illinois.

"Now that there's a uniform state law, it helps create that clarity for law enforcement, so they understand it," Giannoulias said.

During an interview with the secretary of state, an e-scooter rider passed near the interview location.

"On a busy corner at North and Wells, that one was going especially fast," Giannoulias said.

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Data obtained by the I-Team shows Chicago police issued 57 citations through the end of June this year for those riding bicycles and scooters, including e-bikes and e-scooters, on city sidewalks.

That represents 73% fewer citations than during the same period in 2025. Asked whether police departments would actively enforce the law, Giannoulias said officers face competing demands but emphasized concerns about injuries.

"You know, I think that obviously there's a lot on their plate, and especially talking with nurses and emergency staff at our hospitals, including worries, seeing that not just the number of injuries that have exploded, but the cracked skulls, arms, legs, deaths that are occurring," Giannoulias said.

Chicago Police Department reports show there have been nine injury reports so far this year, including at least three involving serious injuries.

In a September 2025 report, the I-Team highlighted a case in which an e-bike seriously injured an East Chatham man.

The proposed law also includes age restrictions for riders based on the speed of the device.

Pedestrians interviewed by the I-Team said keeping riders off sidewalks is a priority.

"They definitely shouldn't be on the sidewalk. It's a hazard to people," said Joe Klimschot, an Old Town neighborhood resident.

Violators can already face citations from Chicago police before the statewide law takes effect.

The Chicago Department of Transportation said it requires shared mobility operators to educate users about the rules and to activate technology alerts when riders travel on sidewalks. Shared companies are also required to take action when riders disregard rules.

E-scooters and e-bikes are required to ride in bike lanes or on the street, if there aren't bike lanes.