An Illinois law regulating micro-mobility devices like e-bikes takes effect Jan. 1 but Elgin officials are starting a media campaign now to let residents know it’s coming and what the rules will be.
The city also needs to change its own outdated ordinances but is waiting until the new rules are enacted, management analyst Giovanni Jungo told the Elgin City Council at its Wednesday night meeting.
For now, the focus will be on educating the public about the legislation’s key provisions, Jungo said.
Illinois’ new law updates the classifications for e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards and high-powered e-devices, he said. It also expands the operation standards by creating age requirements, speed limits and mandates on where they can be used.
Any e-bike capable of speeds exceeding 28 mph or with a motor larger than 750 watts will be legally classified as a “motor-driven cycle” so riders must have a valid driver’s license and carry liability insurance and registration, according to the state’s website.
“Basically, think of them as motorcycles,” Jungo said.
Additionally, high-speed devices won’t be allowed on bike paths, bike lanes and sidewalks, according to the law. The micro-mobility devices must be ridden on public roadways.
City staff is working on developing postcards, handouts and other materials to distribute to residents explaining the law. One aspect of the campaign is aimed at parents so they are aware of what they are buying for their children. The materials will be available by next month for the Elging Police Department’s annual National Night Out.
Over the last year, many communities have passed ordinances trying to regulate the devices and creating a patchwork of regulations, Jungo said. The new law creates one set of rules for all cities, towns and villages, he said.
Elgin’s ordinance, once passed, will have a fee structure, with fines ranging from $74 to $750.
Elgin police Cmdr. Scott Holmes said the department has received 35 calls since March involving juveniles using e-bikes and similar devices. The calls have mostly centered on traffic problems and crashes, he said, and they’ve issued one ticket and one warning so far.
“The majority of the calls are people concerned about safety or very young riders or people who don’t know they are supposed to follow the Rules of the Road,” Holmes said.
Officers have the authority to impound micro-mobility devices but the police department is leaning toward giving warning citations and educating the public, he said.
Council members had questions about how the police will enforce the law on bike paths. There have been complaints about safety issues on the Fox River Bike Path, Councilman Dustin Good said.
Holmes said they plan to work with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County on passing out educational material and posting signs, Holmes said. The forest preserve district has jurisdiction on the bike path.
Councilwoman Tish Powell said she is concerned about the safety of the devices, noting that she and other council members have received email from residents about kids using the devices on the street and sidewalks.
“I just want to make sure that even though this summer these regulations aren’t in effect that we are actively enforcing safety-related issues and getting in front of people and making sure they know what’s expected,” she said.
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Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The (Elgin) Courier-News.