E-bikes regulation bill passes Senate
Thursday, Apr 16, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Press release…
State Senator Ram Villivalam spearheaded a measure through the Senate that would establish regulations for the use of toy vehicles, motor-driven bicycles and other small, low-speed electric mobility devices in Illinois.
“E-bikes and other increasingly popular micromobility devices are being utilized by our neighbors. While these devices provide more accessibility for our residents, they have also led to tragic accidents,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It is imperative that we implement safeguards to ensure that everyone who uses a micromobility device is able to do so in a safe way.”
A study conducted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated a total of 360,800 emergency room visits from injuries sustained during micromoibility devices accidents.
Senate Bill 3336 would regulate the use of toy vehicles, motor-driven cycles, and electric micromobility devices. To achieve this, the measure would:
· Update the definition of low-speed gas bicycles to increase allowable top speed to 28 miles per hour.
· Prohibit any micromobility device over 28 mph from sidewalks, bike lanes, bike paths and roadways.
· Requires any electric bicycle with a motor over 750 watts and speeds over 28 miles per hour, emoto devices and gas powered bicycles as a motor driven cycle, requiring license, registration, title and insurance coverage.
· Prohibit the use of a micromobility device while intoxicated and clarifies that DUI laws apply to low-speed electric bikes and low-speed gas bicycles.
· Require clear signage in places where motor driven cycles are prohibited.
· Prohibit retailers, distributors and manufacturers from marketing devices/vehicles in any way that would lead a customer to believe they are a low-speed e-bike.
· Prohibit persons from operating low-speed gas bicycles from riding at speeds greater 28 miles per hour on any highway, street or roadway.
· Prohibit persons from operating low-speed gas bicycles on sidewalks.
In addition, the measure would work to set regulations and passenger restrictions for operators under 18. The measure would:
· Require a minimum age of 15 years old to operate a class 1 or class 2 low-speed electronic bicycle.
· Clarifies that a person 16 years of age or older can operate a low-speed gas bicycle.
“By establishing safeguards that bolster the safety those who are too young cannot operate micromoblity devices, and that these devices are being operated in areas that are appropriate, we are ensuring that our neighbors are reducing their risk for an accident while operating a micromoblity device,” said Villivalam.
Senate Bill 3336 passed the Senate Wednesday, and now heads to the House for further consideration.
Thoughts?
- Candy Dogood - Thursday, Apr 16, 26 @ 9:41 am:
===Prohibit any micromobility device over 28 mph from sidewalks, bike lanes, bike paths and roadways===
28 miles an hour is still awfully fast on a sidewalk.
I support legislation like this. Ebikes have proven to be fatal and they are not just like riding a bike.
- Robert Fowler - Thursday, Apr 16, 26 @ 9:45 am:
Hey, while you’re at it maybe you can tax it too.
- Candy Dogood - Thursday, Apr 16, 26 @ 10:02 am:
===Hey, while you’re at it maybe you can tax it too. ===
The GOP isn’t really savy enough to come up with a Portlandia ‘put a bird on it’ style ad with ‘putting a tax on it.’ Your cap fax comment will probably be the closest we come to that reality.
- Behind the Scenes - Thursday, Apr 16, 26 @ 10:17 am:
===Prohibit any micromobility device over 28 mph from sidewalks, bike lanes, bike paths and roadways=== Where then can they be used?
Seems to me if you want a bike for the exercise, why electric?
The bill should also address proper storage and charging. I’ve seen the videos of their batteries suddenly bursting into flames. Not in my house.
- former southerner - Thursday, Apr 16, 26 @ 10:20 am:
28 MPH on a sidewalk is crazy. Many towns have roads posted at only 25 MPH.
With so much legal support for bikes on the road, a device that can travel 28 MPH (or close to it) is far better suited for a road instead of a sidewalk.
- Joseph M - Thursday, Apr 16, 26 @ 10:20 am:
According to IDOT, our state had 1,175 road fatalities last year. What is Springfield doing to reduce those tragic accidents?
Oh, right. We moved up the mandatory driving test age from 79 to 87 because policymakers didn’t question a Secretary of State report that failed to normalize crash data *per mile driven* for each age group, falsely characterizing seniors as safer drivers.
- Montrose - Thursday, Apr 16, 26 @ 10:35 am:
Thank god we are creating some type of regulatory framework for this class of vehicle. I agree with others that 28 mph seems too fast for a sidewalk. I would be cool with 20 mph on a sidewalk.
- Blue to the Bone - Thursday, Apr 16, 26 @ 10:56 am:
Many municipalities don’t allow bicycles on sidewalks, especially in areas with high pedestrian use and foot traffic. I’m not sure why micromobility devices are being considered safe for sidewalks at any speed. Streets and designated bicycle paths seem to be the obvious places for usage.
- RNUG - Thursday, Apr 16, 26 @ 10:57 am:
Personally, I would lower the proposed maximum speed without a license, etc.
I get it that most Illinois cities and towns require a vehicle to get around, but those gas bikes and e-bikes have been abused by people who can’t get driver’s licenses, or had their licenses suspended / revoked. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve had to slam on the brakes when one of those have blasted through a red light at an intersection right in front of me.