Last week, Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 3484, which establishes regulations on micromobility transportation that include age requirements, speed limits, and rules on where they can be operated. The bill creates new statewide standards for high-speed electric bikes (pedal-assist) and scooters, electric motorbikes, and electric unicycles and skateboards. I am pleased that Governor Pritzker, with the strong-hearted support of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, has enacted this common-sense legislation to regulate these devices and protect pedestrians, drivers, and non-electric bikers.
In 2025, I secured a commitment from Lime, one of the city’s scooter rental vendors, to install technology in all new devices to detect riding on sidewalks. Additionally, I have drafted legislation that requires the registration of Class 3 electric bikes (capable of 28 mph+) in the City of Chicago. The ordinance was introduced in the Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety, and you can view it here.
Strict and strong enforcement is necessary to address this issue. Enacting the Class 3 electric bike classification will make enforcement easier for the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Park District. I will also continue to advocate for designating CPD officers to patrol and stop e-bikes and motors in critical areas, such as along the Lakefront Trail.
Reckless e-scooter riding puts pedestrians in harm’s way and turns the public way into an unsafe environment. Together, with this new legislation, I am optimistic that city and state officials can work together to put an end to this irresponsible behavior and protect pedestrians from the unchecked danger that micromobility transportation can pose when left unregulated.
