E-Bike Ordinance To Get 1st Reading At Village Meeting In Downers Grove

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — On Tuesday, village commissioners are set to hear a first reading of an ordinance that would outline regulations for e-bikes and e-scooters in Downers Grove. The proposed ordinance comes amid increasing safety concerns surrounding these types of micromobility devices.

Per the proposed ordinance, people who are under the age of 16 cannot operate a Class Three low-speed electric bicycle. People under the age of 18 would be prohibited from operating an electric scooter. These proposed regulations align with Illinois state law.

Downers Grove's proposed ordinance defines low-speed e-bikes as written in the Illinois Vehicle Code, which defines three classes of low-speed electric bicycles. Class 1 is defined a pedal bike with a motor that "low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour."

Class 2 is defined as "a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour."

Class 3 is defined as "a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour."

The ordinance also applies to both low- and high-speed electric scooters.

The Downers Grove ordinance would make it illegal for riders to "operate a bicycle, low-speed electric bicycle, or personal mobility device at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the then existing conditions. No person shall operate a low-speed electric scooter at a speed greater than ten miles per hour (10) mph regardless of conditions."

As in Illinois state law, people operating a low-speed electric scooter would be prohibited from riding on state highways in Downers Grove or other highways with a speed limit of more than 35 mph.

The proposed ordinance also outlines locations where e-bikes, e-scooters and similar devices would be prohibited. As written, the ordinance allows for bicycles and low-speed electric scooters to be used on streets, shared paths and sidewalks that are not in the downtown core district, downtown business district or where signs prohibit such devices.

The regulations would prohibit Class 3 electric bicycles and other personal mobility devices, including pocket bikes, dirt bikes, mini bikes and other non-highway vehicles on shared paths and sidewalks.

Violations are subject to citations, with fees of up to $150. Per the ordinance language, parents of riders who are 17 and under would be responsible to pay applicable fines.

Also on Patch: E-Bike Rider Drove Close To Car, Smashed Mirrors In Downers Grove: Police