New State Law Will Impact Lake Forest E-Bike Rules

LAKE FOREST, IL — Lake Forest is urging parents and guardians to look closely at e-bikes and e-scooters before buying them for children as Illinois prepares to change the rules for many micromobility devices.

According to the city, statewide legislation expected to be signed by Gov. JB Pritzker would significantly change who can legally operate e-bikes and e-scooters.

Under the legislation, riders generally would need to be at least 15 or 16 years old, depending on the type of device, to legally operate many e-bike and e-scooter-style vehicles, according to the city. The measure also spells out where those devices may be ridden.

In Lake Forest, many higher-powered e-bikes and e-scooters are not permitted on sidewalks. In most cases, those devices must be operated on the roadway in accordance with Illinois traffic laws.

The city pointed residents to the Illinois Secretary of State's Micromobility "Know the Rules" guide. That guide includes a comparison table outlining each type of e-bike, e-scooter and other micromobility device, along with the applicable age requirements, operating rules and roadway restrictions.

The law is set to become effective Wednesday.