Elgin to focus on education for riders of e-bikes, scooters as they wait for state law to take effect
Elgin will spend the next five months educating the public about upcoming statewide restrictions and regulations on micromobility devices such as e-bikes and scooters, rather than instituting any interim ordinances.
A new state law regulating electric bikes, e-scooters, and similar devices takes effect beginning Jan. 1, 2027, setting universal age requirements, speed limits, and licensing and insurance mandates. The law replaces a patchwork of local municipal ordinances.
Giovanni Jungo, Elgin’s senior management analyst, said city staff decided not to suggest implementing any short-term ordinance as they wait for the state law to take effect.
“We recommend to use these next five months to really hone in on what's coming on Jan. 1, all the rules and regulations,” Jungo said. “So the public, the community, the schools, the riders, the parents are all aware, and we're all on the same page.”
Under the new law, electric scooters, bikes, unicycles and similar devices are generally allowed in bike lanes, on bike paths and on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, though they are limited to speeds up to 28 mph. On roads with higher speed limits, they may only operate where a bike lane is available.
Riders must be at least 15 to 16 years old, depending on the device, and sidewalks are universally prohibited. Higher-speed devices require a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration and insurance.
Jungo said the city’s education campaign will include printed materials in English and Spanish that can be distributed at events and schools and passed out by the Elgin Police Department, community partners and homeowner associations.
“We’re trying to think of every different scenario and every different place where we can pass that education along so people know,” Police Commander Scott Holmes said.
The campaign will also include social media posts, videos, newsletter reminders and a link to the Secretary of State page on the city’s website.
The community outreach plan, which will focus on the different types of devices, age requirements, where the devices can operate and safety and legal risks, will kick off with National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 4.