Palatine passes regulations on e-bikes, e-scooters

Palatine village council members unanimously passed restrictions on e-bikes, e-scooters and other “untitled motor-driven vehicles.”

Under the new regulations, passed Monday and going into effect immediately, the minimum age is 15 with a learner's permit. Drivers 18 and older will not need a valid driver’s license.

Monday’s discussion was a continuation from a previous meeting, after which village staff incorporated recommendations.

Village Manager Reid Ottesen said the learner’s permit requirement would ensure younger users would have undergone testing on the rules of the road.

Not requiring the license for 18 years of age and older would allow any adult to use the devices.

The regulations generally apply to powered devices that can exceed 12 miles per hour, village officials said.

E-bikes come in three different classes and by state law must have their class designation prominently displayed on a sticker on the device. E-bike advocates say anything that exceeds 28 mph should be referred to as an e-moto or “out-of-class electric vehicle.”

These vehicles would not be allowed on public sidewalks or state and county highways in Palatine.

Users must follow traffic laws, speed limits and equipment requirements, including lights, helmets and brakes.

Passengers are only allowed in limited situations, and vehicles cannot be altered to go faster than designed.

Exemptions apply for government employees on duty, individuals with disabilities using mobility devices and young children using toy ride-on vehicles under parental supervision.

Fines will start at $50, similar to local parking and traffic violations.