§ 11-1517 — Low-speed electric bicycles

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the provisions of this Chapter that apply to bicycles also apply to low-speed electric bicycles. (b) Each low-speed electric bicycle operating in this State shall comply with equipment and manufacturing requirements adopted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission under 16 CFR 1512. Each Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle shall be equipped with a speedometer that displays the speed the bicycle is traveling in miles per hour. (c) Beginning on or after January 1, 2018, every manufacturer and distributor of low-speed electric bicycles shall apply a label that is permanently affixed to the bicycle in a prominent location. The label shall contain, in Arial font in at least 9-point type: (1) a classification number for the bicycle that corresponds with a class under Section 1-140.10 of this Code; (2) the bicycle's top assisted speed; and (3) the bicycle's motor wattage. No person shall knowingly tamper or modify the speed capability or engagement of a low-speed electric bicycle without replacing the label required under this subsection (c). (d) A Class 2 low-speed electric bicycle shall operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the brakes are applied. A Class 1 low-speed electric bicycle and a Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle shall operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the rider stops pedaling. (e) A person may operate a low-speed electric bicycle upon any highway, street, or roadway authorized for use by bicycles, including, but not limited to, bicycle lanes. (f) A person may operate a low-speed electric bicycle upon any bicycle path unless the municipality, county, or local authority with jurisdiction prohibits the use of low-speed electric bicycles or a specific class of low-speed electric bicycles on that path. (g) A person may not operate a low-speed electric bicycle on a sidewalk. (h) A person may operate a Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle only if he or she is 16 years of age or older. A person who is less than 16 years of age may ride as a passenger on a Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle that is designed to accommodate passengers.

Legislative History

(Source: P.A. 100-209, eff. 1-1-18 .)