Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed a new measure establishing rules on who can use electric bikes and scooters, including how fast they can go and where they can go. The governor signed the measure this past Wednesday. It’s expected to take effect January 1st.
The measure establishes regulations on “micromobility” transportation that includes age requirements, speed limits and rules on where they can be operated. Reports say the new law was one of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ top priorities during the legislative session. The state already has some regulations for low-speed electric bikes and scooters, but regulation varies at the local level. The bill creates new statewide standards for high-speed electric bikes and scooters, as well as electric motor bikes, and electric unicycles and skateboards. Some high-speed electric scooters can reach speeds of up to 50 mph, the report said, but the new law is expected to limit riders to traveling under 30 mph.