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While the Chicago region’s population grew by 18 percent since 1980, the traffic increased by 66 percent in the same period.

Regulated e-bikes could strengthen cycling movement

Jul 30, 2018 | by Kyle Whitehead

A state law passed in 2017 establishes a regulatory structure for electric assist bicycles (e-bikes) in Illinois and helps riders understand the new technology.

The bill amended the Illinois vehicle code to create three classes of e-bikes based upon the bike’s equipment and top speed.

  • Class 1 – pedal-assist electric bicycles in which the motor provides support only while the rider is pedaling. Travel at speeds up to 20 MPH.
  • Class 2 – throttle-assist electric bicycles in which the motor can provide support without the rider pedaling. Travel at speeds up to 20 MPH.
  • Class 3 – pedal-assist electric bicycles in which the motor provides support only while the rider is pedals. Travel at speeds up to 28 MPH.

Previously, the state vehicle code didn’t distinguish electric bicycles from gas powered bicycles, and it wasn’t clear where they should and shouldn’t be permitted.

The 2017 bill allows all three classes of e-bikes on streets and sidepaths, unless the local regulatory agency opts out. Similar legislation was enacted in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Tennessee and Utah.

The bill passed both houses of the Illinois General Assembly last year and was soon after signed into law by Governor Rauner. It was supported by the bike industry and national advocacy organization People for Bikes. Active Trans signed on in support of the bill.

Active Trans supports a statewide regulatory framework for e-bikes and encourages local agencies to establish their own policies around e-bike usage.

We’re excited about the potential for e-bikes to make biking more popular and accessible, especially for people who are travelling longer distances or through hilly terrain. E-bikes could make it easier for people to replace car trips with bike trips, which is a great outcome for our cities.

Notably, the legislation does not apply to trails because the vehicle code does not have jurisdiction over trails, which are governed by local park districts, forest preserves and some state agencies.

Active Trans has concerns about the potential impact of allowing higher speed e-bikes (Class 3) on crowded urban trails like the Lakefront and the 606. We urge local agencies to evaluate their trail infrastructure and number of users before permitting higher speed e-bikes.

If regulated properly, e-bikes have the potential to provide a boost to the bicycling movement in the Chicago region and contribute to continued growth.

Photo Credit: People for Bikes