Where do e-bikes and e-scooters belong? On the sidewalk? On the road? And who should be allowed to drive them?
As use increases across the city and suburbs, the need to establish broader rules has become apparent. Too often, these vehicles become a menace when used at high speeds or in places they don’t belong.
After a suburban Mount Prospect teenager died after his e-bike crashed into a truck in September, we called for sensible regulations to protect walkers, drivers and e-bike users alike.
Different local governments across the state have created a patchwork of rules and regulations that differ in various ways. And while some suburbs have responded already, not every local government has taken up the issue.
So we were pleased to hear Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ Thursday announcement of a new initiative to address rising injuries and deaths tied to high-speed e-bikes and other powerful electric devices.
We’ve argued that sensible rules for e-bikes and e-scooters begin with clarity and safety: clear categories based on speed and power, limits on where and how fast they can travel and commonsense requirements such as helmets, lights and proper parking. Giannoulias is working with state Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, and state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, and the potential legislation seems poised to incorporate many of these principles, though the specifics are still a work in progress. In addition to rules regulating e-bikes and e-scooters — sometimes referred to as micromobility devices — Giannoulias has said his proposal would pair regulation with education by expanding micromobility instruction across K-12 classrooms and high school driver’s education, giving students and new drivers clearer guidance on safely sharing the road.
Granted, we still need to see the legislation, but these ideas broadly make sense. The problem with e-bikes is that the higher-speed models are not really bikes at all, but function more like motorcycles. Yet under Illinois law, teens can ride many classes of e-bikes without the licensing or training required for motorcyclists. Most electric bikes can cruise at speeds up to 28 mph, depending on the class and model.
We are not letting teenaged motorcyclists out on our roads without oversight. So why is it different for electric bikes?
These devices should certainly not be outlawed, as some have called for, but regulated sensibly. We think this new statewide proposal has the potential to bring some needed clarity — not to mention improved safety.
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