Crystal Lake To Address Electric Bike, Scooter Concerns

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — Whether to further regulate the use of electric bikes and scooters in Crystal Lake will be up for discussion Tuesday night at the city council meeting.

Currently, the police department enforces traffic laws for small vehicles, including golf carts, bicycles, skateboards, electric bicycles, electric scooters and gas-powered small vehicles per state statute.

"Crystal Lake police officers have navigated enforcement of e-bikes and e- scooters cautiously as use of these devices has increased," according to information in the Crystal Lake city council packet.

On Aug. 9, 2024, a new state law went into effect regulating low speed electric scooters.

"However, if a municipality chooses to authorize the use of low-speed electric scooters, they must act in accordance with all restrictions for use provided by Public Act 103-0899," according to city of Crystal Lake officials.

Electric bikes and scooters have lead to a "few complaints" in Crystal Lake and some accidents in neighboring communities, officials said. The incidents have happened on roadways, pedestrian paths and sidewalks.

"Some cities have experienced accidents involving the operation of e-scooters or e-bikes which prompted this discussion. Many municipalities have enacted ordinances regulating e-bikes and e-scooters as a result," said James Black, police chief for the Crystal Lake Police Department.

City staff has prepared potential actions for the city council to consider based upon ordinances enacted in neighboring communities, according to the city council packet.

"There are current regulations set in state statute right now that regulate the use of both e-bikes and e-scooters. This is a discussion for the City Council on what, if any regulations, may be established in the future," Black said.

The suggestions will be discussed during the Tuesday city council meeting, which will be held at city hall, 100 W. Woodstock Street in Crystal Lake, starting at 7 p.m.

During the meeting, city staff will receive recommendations from the city council on next steps, Black said.