E-Bikes & Scooter Safety
E-Bikes & Scooter Safety
Electric bicycles and scooters offer a fun and efficient way to travel, but they also come with risks. On most roadways, bicyclists, including those on e-bikes, scooters, and mopeds, share the same rights and responsibilities as other road users. It's important to stay informed about regulations, safety tips, and how you can contribute to safer e-bike and e-scooter use.
Parents whose children own e-bikes, e-scooters, or non-highway vehicles (such as dirt bikes or pocket bikes) are strongly encouraged to talk with them about the lawful and safe operation of these devices. They should also be reminded that these devices must follow all traffic laws and understand that public roadways must be used responsibly to avoid endangering others.
Leyden Township takes all violations of state and local laws seriously. Illegal street takeovers, blocking traffic or operating vehicles and devices in unsafe ways can lead to tickets, fines, impoundment and even arrest. Parents should also be aware that when minors are involved in unsafe or illegal riding of non-highway vehicles, the consequences can also affect them. This may include tickets issued to the parent or teen, delays in the teen’s ability to get a driver’s license until age 21 and responsibility for paying damages, fines and court costs.
We appreciate the community’s cooperation in helping keep Leyden Township safe for everyone.
E-Scooter Rules & Regulations
A new Illinois state law regulating low-speed electric scooters went into effect on August 9, 2024, following the signing of Public Act 103-0899. This law prohibits the use of electric scooters unless they are authorized by a local ordinance. The law also sets statewide regulations for communities that do allow the use of e-scooters, including age requirements, equipment standards and limitations on where they can be used.
In response, Leyden Township has adopted a local ordinance allowing the use of low-speed electric scooters with restrictions set by the State. The Township does not have the authority to adopt local regulations that are less restrictive than state law.
At this time, the Township’s primary goal is to ensure public education and safety regarding low-speed electric scooter use.
Key Rules for E-Scooter Use
- Riders must be 18 or older, per Illinois State Law.
- Scooters may only be used on public roads with speed limits of 30 mph or lower and fewer than four lanes.
- Riding on sidewalks is discouraged and prohibited in certain areas.
- Only one person is allowed per scooter.
- Scooters must have a working brake, a white front light and a red rear reflector or light for nighttime use.
Prohibited Areas for E-Scooter Use
Electric scooters are not permitted in the following locations:
- Roads with posted speed limits above 30 mph or four or more lanes
General Safety Tips
Whether using an e-scooter or an e-bike, following these safety tips can help prevent injuries and keep everyone safe on the road:
- Wear a helmet. Helmets are the most effective way to reduce the risk of head injury.
- Look both ways before riding through any kind of intersection. Stop and look both ways before crossing streets or driveways. Watch for turning vehicles and proceed carefully at crosswalks.
- Walk your wheels in crowded areas. To prevent collisions, dismount and walk your scooter or bike when around large groups of pedestrians.
- Avoid distractions. Do not use electronic devices, including earbuds, headphones or phones, while riding.
- Never ride under the influence. Operating a scooter or e-bike while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous and illegal.
- Ride solo. Only one person per scooter—no passengers.
- Be respectful of others. Use your bell/horn to alert pedestrians when passing, or slow down and walk your device when passing a pedestrian.
These simple precautions can help create a safer environment for all roadway users. For more safety tips, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Micromobility Safety Center and/or the Johns Hopkins Medicine – Bicycle, In-Line Skating, Skateboarding & Scooter Safety.
Injury Data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were an estimated 360,800 emergency department visits related to micromobility devices from 2017 to 2022. This includes e-scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards:
- E-Scooters: 46.92% of the reported injuries, or an estimated 169,300, were related to e-scooters. Injuries from e-scooters increased year-over-year, rising 22% in 2022 from 2021. However, 85% of e-scooter injuries result in treatment and release, compared to 81% for e-bike injuries and 79% for bicycle injuries.
- E-Bikes: Nearly half (46%) of all estimated e-bike injuries from 2017 to 2022 occurred in 2022 alone. CPSC Commissioner Mary T. Boyle has called some of the new e-bike injury data "really concerning" and suggested that the CPSC coding system may be undercounting injuries.
- Hoverboards: Hoverboard injuries decreased by 26% from 2021 to 2022, but the percentage of estimated hoverboard-related injuries for the 5-to-14 age group was still disproportionately high.
The CPSC is also aware of at least 233 deaths associated with micromobility devices from 2017 to 2022, but reporting is ongoing and incomplete.
Additional Resources
- CPSC Safety Alert: Electric-Powered Scooters
- Scooter, Bicycle, In-Line Skating, and Skateboard Safety
- Illinois Bicycle Rules of the Road 2025
- ISP Bicycle Safety Brochure
E-Bike Rules and Regulations
E-bikes are typically classified into a three-class system based on whether the motor assists only when pedaling and the top-assisted speed. These e-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks and must abide by the Bicycle Rules of the Road.
Types of E-Bikes:
- Type 1: Max speed of 20 mph with pedal assist only, no throttle.
- Type 2: Max speed of 20 mph with pedal assist and throttle, allowing operation without pedaling.
- Type 3: Max speed of 28 mph with pedal assist only, no throttle. These e-bikes are closer to motorcycles and mopeds in function. Riders must be at least 16 years old.
NOTE: Although Type 1 and Type 2 E-bikes do not have a minimum age restriction, the Consumer Product Safety Commission does not recommend children under the age of 13 operate motorized wheeled vehicles, such as e-bikes, that can travel faster than 10 mph.
E-Bike Regulations:
- Must be labeled with classification, top assisted speed, and motor wattage
- Are not permitted on sidewalks
- Must be equipped with a lamp at the front and a reflector at the back to operate at night
- Can only be ridden on the roadway and must abide by the Bicycle Rules of the Road.
Non-Highway Vehicles/Motorcycle Rules & Regulations
Non-highway motorcycles are small, gas- or battery-powered vehicles that are not designed or approved for use on public roadways.
These include:
- Dirt bikes,
- Pocket bikes
- Mini bikes
- ATVs
These vehicles are not allowed to be operated on:
- Public streets or roadways
- Sidewalks
- Public parks
- School grounds
- Any other public property
Operating a Non-Highway Motorcycle in Public Places Is Illegal
Riding non-highway motorcycles or off-highway vehicles in public areas is not only prohibited, but it also poses a danger to pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists.
Potential penalties include:
- Citations to the rider or parent/guardian
- Delays in obtaining a driver’s license for minors (until the age of 21)
- Parent/guardian liability for civil damages, fines and court costs
- Law enforcement may also impound or seize unauthorized vehicles that are being used illegally
How to Tell the Difference: E-Bikes vs. Off-Highway Vehicles
It is important to understand the difference between an e-bike and an off-highway vehicle. E-bikes are allowed on public roads if they meet specific criteria. However, off-highway vehicles are not street-legal and may not be operated on public property.
| Feature | E-Bike (Legal on Roadways) | Off-Highway Vehicle (Not Street Legal) |
| Pedals | Must fully functioning pedals | May have no pedal or pegs instead |
| Motor Size | 750 Watts or Less | Over 750 watts or gas engine of >1HP or > 15cc |
| Propulsion | Pedals must allow the bike to be pedaled without motor power | Often relies solely on motor for propulsion |
| Design | Similar to a traditional bicycle with motor assistance | Often resembles a motorcycle, mini bike or dirt bike |
If the vehicle has pegs instead of pedals, and/or a motor larger than 750 watts, it is not an e-bike — it is an off-highway vehicle and cannot be driven on public roads or spaces. It also requires a driver’s license, insurance, registration, and other related equipment.