(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLE. A bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets the requirements of one of the following classes:
(a) CLASS 1 LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLE. A low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
(b) CLASS 2 LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLE. A low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
(c) CLASS 3 LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLE. A low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour.
A LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLE is not a moped or a motor driven cycle.
(B) Illinois Law, ILCS Ch. 625 Act 5, § 11-1517 contains the following:
(1) 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.
(2) 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 nine-point type:
(a) A classification number for the bicycle that corresponds with a class under § 1-140.10 of this code;
(b) The bicycle’s top assisted speed; and
(c) The bicycle’s motor wattage.
(3) No person shall knowingly tamper or modify the speed capability or engagement of a low-speed electric bicycle without replacing the label required under division (B)(2).
(4) 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) Operation of low speed electric bicycles. 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.
(1) 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.
(2) 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.
(3) A person may not operate a low-speed electric bicycle on a sidewalk.
(4) 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.
(Ord. 2023-06-0982O, passed 6-27-2023)