New Illinois Law Regulates Low-Speed Electric Scooters
Effective on August 9, 2024, Illinois Governor Pritzker signed SB 1960 into law as Public Act 103-0899, which amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to add provisions regarding low-speed electric scooters.
The new law defines a low-speed electric scooter as follows:
A device weighing less than 100 pounds, with 2 or 3 wheels, handlebars, and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding, that is solely powered by an electric motor and human power, and whose maximum speed, with or without human propulsion, is no more than 10 miles per hour. "Low-speed electric scooter" does not include a moped or motor-driving cycle.
The law allows municipalities, park districts, forest preserve districts, or conservation districts (units of local government) to authorize and regulate the operation of low-speed electric scooters within their respective units of local government on any or all highways under their respective jurisdiction, sidewalks, trails, or other public rights-of-way where the operation of bicycles is permitted.
The law clarifies that the use of low-speed electric scooters within the units of local government is only allowed if a unit of local government authorizes their use within its jurisdiction.
The law also clarifies that any authorization or regulation by a park district, forest preserve district, or conservation district concerning low-speed electric scooters only applies on property owned, managed, or leased by the park district, forest preserve district, or conservation district.
The law also:
- exempts
low-speed electric scooters operators from obtaining an Illinois driver’s
license (or permit), registration, or a certificate of title to operate
the scooter;
- prohibits
operating a low-speed electric scooters unless a person is 18 years of age
or older;
- prohibits
operating a low-speed electric scooters while under the influence of drugs
or alcohol;
- prohibits
operating a low-speed electric scooters on a highway with a posted speed
limit in excess of 35 miles/hour;
- prohibits
operating a low-speed electric scooter on state highways;
- prohibits
operating a low-speed electric scooter while carrying certain items that
prevent the operator from keeping at least one hand on the wheel;
- prohibits
a low-speed electric scooter from carrying more than one person at a time;
- prohibits
attaching a low-speed electric scooter or its operator to any other
vehicle being operated on a public right-of-way; and
- requires low speed electric scooters to be well-maintained, in good operating condition, and possess certain required equipment (e.g., lamps, brakes, sirens).
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