While electric bikes and scooters may just seem like toys for older kids to have fun with, they might be more powerful than you think — and more unsafe. The State of Illinois is taking note of the popularity of electric micromobility devices and the recent accidents involving them, and legal changes are happening soon. As e-bikes get more and more widespread, it’s important for parents to understand the regulations around e-bikes and e-scooters and the safety precautions that children should follow.
Here’s all you need to know about the rules and regulations for kids riding e-bikes and e-scooters in Chicago.
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: Micromobility law SB 3484 is taking effect on Jan. 1, 2027, and it will add further age restrictions and safety regulations for e-bikes and e-scooters.
- The details: Safety is the most important concern for kids riding e-bikes and e-scooters, so it is crucial for parents to make sure that their kids are in line with Illinois law.
- Kids must be at least 15 years old to ride electric mobility devices, but they must have a valid driver’s license to ride some models of higher speeds.
How is the regulation around e-bikes and e-scooters changing?
In a recently released public service announcement about e-bikes, Illinois Secretary of State Alexis Giannoulias said, “Let’s be honest, a lot of what’s being sold online today aren’t really bicycles, they’re essentially electric motorcycles being marketed like toys.”…