As the back-to-school season begins, the Northbrook Police Department is reminding families about important safety regulations surrounding the legal use of E-Bikes, E-Scooters, E-Motos, and other micromobility devices. Over the summer, these forms of transportation are being used by more children and teenagers. Police Chief John Ustich is reminding parents and guardians that the safety of our youth is a top priority in Northbrook. Parents need to know what is legal in the State of Illinois and how Northbrook enforces these laws. 

The majority of E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and E-Motos cannot be driven on roadways or in parks, even if they are used to get to school. The State of Illinois approved three classes of low-power electric bikes in the Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/1-140.10) on January 1, 2018. Additional regulations regarding E-Bikes can be found in 625 ILCS 5/11-1517 of the Code. Illinois’ statute aligns with guidance developed by People for Bikes that has been adopted by 48 of 50 states. Two- or three-wheeled vehicles with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts are considered low-speed E-Bikes in Illinois. Legal low speed E-Bikes are only sold in adult sizes. The three legal, recognized classes of low-speed E-Bikes are: 

• Class 1 is a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph. 
• Class 2 is a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph. 
• Class 3 is a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 mph. Per Illinois law, one must be 16 years of age or older to operate a Class 3 E-Bike.
  

Low-speed E-Scooters are devices weighing less than 100 pounds, with 2 or 3 wheels, handlebars, and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding, that is solely powered by an electric motor and human power, and whose maximum speed, with or without human propulsion, is no more than 10 miles per hour. Per Illinois law, one must be 18 years of age or older to operate an E-Scooter. 

Vehicles with an electric motor greater than 750 watts are not E-Bikes. Any type of device with an electric motor beyond a Class 1, 2, or 3 electric bicycle is not a legal E-Bike and should not be called or treated like an E- Bike. These devices are commonly referred to as E-Motos (aka Out-of-Class Electric Vehicles (OCEVs)). When used by adults, E-Motos are only allowed in travel lanes intended for automobiles – not on trails of infrastructure intended for bicycles, scooters, personal mobility devices (such as motorized wheelchairs), or other legal modes. E-Motos: 

• Are an electric device built on a bicycle-style frame that equipped with one or more operating modes and a throttle 
• Are capable of exceeding 20 miles per hour on motorized propulsion alone in any mode when the throttle is engaged 

Have an electric motor with a power output exceeding 750 watts 

Go to https://rideillinois.org/safety/municipal-guidance/ for more information. 

Chief Ustich also notes that in early July, the Northbrook Police Department held two community meetings to better understand residents' perspectives on E-bikes and other micromobility vehicles. The Village is actively reviewing existing State regulations and additional local laws may be considered, noting that in many cases the Village must follow State Law, but can enforce violations through a local administrative process rather than through formal action in the Circuit Court of Cook County. As a community, Northbrook is committed to ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for all residents, especially as students head back to class.