Ride Illinois offers guidelines for regulating e-bike use

Electric bikes have shifted from a hot merchandising story for several years to a hot suburban ordinance story recently.

In June, at least four communities — Elk Grove Village, Highland Park, Roselle, Schaumburg — adopted ordinances affecting by whom, where and how e-bikes and other electronic mobility devices can be operated. They are popular, inexpensive and practical alternatives to automobiles.

Related safety issues have been percolating for some time across Chicagoland. Last fall, Huntley aligned its ordinances with state laws and added its own.

Undoubtedly, safety across all transportation modes is critical, including active modes like walking and biking. Ensuring they coexist safely is equally important.

In mid-June, Ride Illinois offered a balanced approach, releasing “Guidance for Municipalities” for e-bikes, e-scooters, and micromobility devices. The statewide, nonprofit bike advocacy organization developed common sense guidelines for communities responding to resident complaints about feeling unsafe around devices heavier and faster than traditional bikes, and that are popular with teens.

Recognizing how the general public can easily lump all electric-assist devices together, conflating safety issues, the document provides definitions for e-bikes, e-scooters and others.

E-bike Distinctions

E-bikes are equipped with pedals, a saddle/seat and an electric motor under 750 watts. They were legally recognized in January, 2018, in the Illinois Vehicle Code. Class 1 provides a power assist but riders pedal. Class 2 has a throttle-actuated motor, meaning riders can travel without pedaling. For both classes, electric assist ceases at 20 mph. Class 3 is similar to Class 1, but maxes out at 28. Sixteen is the minimum rider age, per Illinois law.

Those with motors exceeding 750 watts are beyond the three classes, are not e-bikes and should only travel on roads. Ride Illinois guidance defines these as Out-of-Class Electric Vehicles. Operators require a driver’s license.

Low-speed e-scooters weigh less than 100 pounds, with two or three wheels, handlebars, and floorboard that riders stand on. Powered by an electric motor or human power, their maximum speed is 10 mph. Per Illinois law, operators must be 18 years old and cannot ride on roads with speed limits above 35 mph.

Ride Illinois charts its recommendations showing device type and riding location.

Executive Director Dave Simmons noted, “Green checks are no-brainers, while red Xs are based on the law or common sense. Topics that should be discussed at length with input from residents are marked with yellow question marks.”

He acknowledged the industry has moved much faster than the law and regulations. The “genie is out of the bottle,” with the market responding to growing interest in inexpensive, sustainable transportation modes powered by electric motors.

Simmons hopes community leaders take a broader view of the issues involved because of the versatility that e-bikes afford.

“As cars get more expensive, new ways to get around are being developed. Forward thinking municipalities that integrate new mobility modes will attract families who want to live, work and play,” he said.

“Communities should be embracing legal devices like e-bikes and low speed e-scooters. They offer less wear and tear on our infrastructure. They make it possible for individuals and families to make many everyday trips while reducing overall transportation expenses, like car payments.”

Overcoming “Too”s

Considered “cheater” bikes not long ago, e-bikes have outgrown that stigma for many positive reasons. As “equalizers,” they enable non-bikers to keep up with more active partners; think spouses/partners vacationing together or just enjoying a neighborhood ride.

E-bikes enable individuals to continue biking despite injuries or the physical challenges of aging. For riders of all ages and abilities, e-bikes remove the “too” barriers of frequent complaints: too far, too hard, too hilly, plus my favorites: too sweaty, too out-of-shape and too heavy a load.

That includes individuals who regularly eschew motor vehicles: bike commuters appearing fresh at work, and cargo bikers hauling groceries home and children to school. With 64% of all U.S. trips under five miles (U.S. Department of Energy, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, March 2022), more people are looking at alternative transportation modes.

Simmons hopes the guidelines will introduce some uniformity across communities. Otherwise, an Elk Grove Village resident who e-bikes into Schaumburg may be in violation of the helmet requirement. Similarly, a Schaumburg e-biker may violate Elk Grove Village’s requirement to have a valid driver’s license.

It’s critical that, when developing a common sense ordinance, municipal staff discuss proposals with adjacent municipalities.

Evanston Biking Workshops

The City of Evanston and Evanston Public Library are launching a free Summer Cycling Education Series in English and Spanish for riders of all ages and abilities starting July 31, facilitated by The Recyclery bike shop.

“City Cycling 101” is geared to adult riders and youth 14 and older seeking skills and confidence sharing city roadways with motor vehicles. It will be presented July 31 ad the Robert Crown Community Center, 1801 Main St., and Aug. 6 at the Evanston Ecology Center, 2217 Simpson St.

For non-bike riding adults and youth 14 and older, “Learn 2 Ride” is an off-street class offered Aug. 16 at the Prieto Community Center, 430 Asbury Ave.

Evanston Public Library Main Branch hosts “Intro to Bike Maintenance” Sept. 9 for adults to learn to fix flats, lube chains, and inflate tires. All tools are provided.

“City Cycling 101 for Families” Sept. 13 at the Evanston Public Library Main Branch is aimed at guardians and accompanied independent young riders 10 and older looking to acquire street-riding skills together in a group setting.

Register online at cityofevanston.org; via phone (847) 448-8600; or at the Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave.