Pritzker signs e-bike regulation bill into law

Gov. JB Pritzker has signed legislation regulating e-bikes and other powered micromobility devices that have fueled a rise in emergency room visits among children.

The law codifies e-bikes to their current three-tiered classification, capped at 28 mph, and, starting Jan. 1, places new restrictions for most devices capable of going any faster.

The law classifies any device capable of going faster than 28 mph as motor vehicles and subjects their operators to the state’s drunken driving laws, according to the legislation passed by lawmakers in June.

Owners of those high-speed devices — which can include e-bikes, e-motos, e-scooters, electric unicycles, electric skateboards — will be required to have a driver’s license, carry insurance and register their vehicle with the state. They will not be allowed on bike paths and, in some cases, bike lanes.

The law creates consistent rules for the devices across the state, eliminating a growing and inconsistent patchwork of local ordinances.

The law also introduces age minimums for e-bikes and e-scooters, seeking to address a rise in injuries among children using the devices. One study found a 7.5-fold increase in children on the devices seeking emergency care from 2023 to 2026.

Riders of Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, which go up to 20 mph, must be at least 15 years old, according to the law. Riders must be at least 16 years old for Class 3 e-bikes, which go up to 28 mph. E-scooter users must be at least 16 years old, and are capped at 15 mph.

Pritzker signed the bill on Wednesday. In a statement, his office said: “These commonsense standards will provide clarity for riders, parents, and law enforcement while helping prevent serious injuries. The Governor remains committed to protecting riders and pedestrians and ensuring Illinoisans can safely ride our roads and bike paths.”

State Sen. Darby Hills, a Republican from Barrington Hills, praised the bill’s signing for its age restrictions.

“As a mom, there is nothing more important to me than making sure our kids can get outside, have fun, and get home safely,” Hills said in a statement. “That’s why I’m so proud to see our e-bike safety legislation signed into law.”