Naperville To Vote On Ordinance Regulating E-Bikes, E-Scooters

NAPERVILLE, IL — The Naperville City Council is set to vote Tuesday on an ordinance regulating the usage of e-bikes, e-scooters and other micro-mobility devices within the city.

The ordinance defines three classes of e-bikes, as outlined below.

Class 1: An e-bike that provides assistance via motor while pedaling and disables the motor at speeds of 20 mph or more.

Class 2: An e-bike that is propelled by a motor that disengages at 20 mph.

Class 3: An e-bike that provides assistance via motor while pedaling and disables the motor at 28 mph.

Per the ordinance, all e-bike riders must be at least 16 years old. E-scooter riders must be at least 18 years old.

The ordinance also outlines where e-bikes and e-scooters can be ridden. E-bikes will be permitted on "any street or roadway where bicycles are permitted, subject to all traffic laws applicable to bicycles under the Illinois Vehicle Code and the Naperville Municipal Code," the ordinance states.

Class 1 and class 2 e-bikes and e-scooters will be allowed on shared-use paths, unless prohibited by the Naperville Park District or the DuPage or Will County Forest Preserve Districts. Class 3 e-bikes will not be permitted on shared-use paths.

E-scooters are not permitted to be ridden on park district property and will be prohibited on highways with posted speed limits of 35 mph or more, per the ordinance.

On shared-use paths, permitted e-bikes and e-scooters cannot be ridden at speeds of more than 15 mph.

E-scooters and all e-bikes will be prohibited from riding on sidewalks. Exceptions apply if City of Naperville signage indicates express permission or if the rider must use the sidewalk to get into or out of property.

No e-bikes and e-scooters will be allowed on expressways, highways, state highways or along the Naperville Riverwalk.

Per the ordinance, e-bike and e-scooter riders cannot be ridden on public property if they are modified. The ordinance also prohibits e-bike and e-scooter riders from carrying objects while riding or riding with another person on the vehicle.

Violating the ordinance could incur a fine of between $100 and $500. If the e-bike or e-scooter rider in violation is a minor, their parent or guardian must pay the fine.

The City Council meeting will be held Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at Naperville City Hall.