Governor Pritzker Signs Illinois Micromobility Safety Law

Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 3484 on Wednesday, establishing the first statewide regulations for micromobility transportation in Illinois. Effective January 1, the law creates standardized rules for electronic bikes, scooters, motor bikes, unicycles, and skateboards to address a rise in accidents and fatal injuries involving teenagers in Chicago and other communities.

Under the new law, high-speed e-bikes that exceed 28 mph are regulated as motorcycles, meaning operators must possess a driver's license and maintain registration and insurance. The legislation also implements age restrictions for lower-speed devices, requiring riders to be at least 15 for bikes reaching 20 mph and 16 for those reaching 28 mph. Electric scooters are now capped at 28 mph with a minimum user age of 16. Violators face vehicle impoundment and fines.

State officials and municipal leaders supported the measure as a necessary response to evolving technology. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias identified the regulation of these devices as a top legislative priority to prevent serious injuries. State Senator Ram Villivalam, the bill's sponsor, noted that the lack of clear regulations had jeopardized community safety, while the Illinois Municipal League emphasized that a statewide framework provides law enforcement with clearer guidance than the previous patchwork of local responses.