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Committee approves updated micromobility ordinance, bars sidewalk riding downtown
Summary
On Sept. 15 the Government Operations Committee approved a city ordinance updating definitions and rules for e-bikes, e-motos, scooters and other micromobility devices, aligning local rules with Illinois law and adding a city requirement for bells and an escalating fine schedule.
The Government Operations Committee voted Sept. 15 to approve a local ordinance updating rules for bicycles and micromobility devices after a presentation by city staffer Derek Connolly. The ordinance clarifies device classes, reinforces state rules and creates a local equipment requirement and escalating fines.
The update matters because committee members said they have seen a rise in resident complaints about electric devices on sidewalks and in pedestrian areas; the ordinance aims to balance safety and the city’s bike-friendly goals.
Connolly told the committee the draft mirrors state law and guidance from Ride Illinois, a nonprofit advocacy group. The ordinance defines Class 1–3 electric bicycles (Class 3: higher power and top speeds), distinguishes e-motos (motors >750 watts capable of exceeding 20 mph without pedaling) from e-bikes, and separates low- and high-speed electric scooters at a 10 mph breakpoint. Connolly said Class 3 e-bikes should be treated as road vehicles and noted state labeling requirements for e-bike classes.
The draft retains Illinois vehicle-code duties for riders (hand signals, lights, reflectors) and incorporates several state rules Connolly highlighted: a 16-year minimum age for Class 3 e-bikes, a 16-year/from-license requirement for mopeds, and an 18-year minimum plus a valid driver’s license for certain high-speed electric scooters. The ordinance also contains one city-only equipment requirement: all micromobility devices must have a bell or audible warning device to alert pedestrians.
The local proposal restricts sidewalk riding inside the downtown overlay district: any bicycle or micromobility device entering that overlay must use a bike lane or the roadway or dismount and walk. Non-motorized bicycles and low-speed scooters (under 10 mph) are permitted on sidewalks elsewhere outside the overlay, per the draft.
Enforcement and penalties: the ordinance creates an escalating fine schedule — $25 for a first offense, $50 second, $100 third — and specifies that guardians will be notified for violators 17 and under. Connolly and police staff described a fourth-or-subsequent-offense path to the city adjudication process with a minimum fine and possible community service; staff emphasized education and warnings as the primary enforcement tool. Commander Tim Ocassik of the Special Services Unit told the committee that citations to juveniles would be issued to the juvenile and that devices treated as motor vehicles (some e-motos and gas-powered bikes) are subject to registration and insurance requirements under Illinois law.
Committee members pressed on practical enforcement limits, age compliance and the need for an education campaign; members and staff discussed a brochure and a webpage for officers to hand out and possible business-alliance giveaways (bells) to raise awareness. Several aldermen said they want school outreach to reach parents and students before summer. Connolly noted the ordinance may need future amendments as new devices appear and as state law evolves.
The committee approved the ordinance by roll call. Supporters on the committee said the ordinance provides tools for education and graduated enforcement rather than immediate, heavy penalties for juveniles.
A list of direct quotes used in this article comes from Derek Connolly and Commander Tim Ocassik, attributed below in the speakers section.
