DeLaRosa Bill Regulating Low-Speed Electric Bicycles Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Margaret DeLaRosa, D-Lombard, filed, carried and passed a bill allowing state entities to prohibit the use of low-speed electronic bicycles on any path within state jurisdiction, prioritizing the pedestrian safety, as well as the safety of manual cyclists.

“E-bikes have become really popular over the past few years, and that popularity has caused a significant increase in constituent concerns about safety on their local walking and biking paths,” said DeLaRosa. “For those with pets and children, e-bikes are especially anxiety-inducing. It’s an accident waiting to happen, if it hasn’t already. Which is why this bill is so important to me and my district, as well as many of my fellow lawmakers who are receiving similar concerns.”

House Bill 4768 allows the state to regulate the use of low-speed e-bikes on paths within the state’s jurisdiction. Under the current law, e-bike regulations are decided by local authorities and municipalities. This bill expands that control to include the state, so that they may be able to respond accordingly to low-speed e-bike related pedestrian safety concerns—or in serious cases, e-bike related accidents or injuries. Specifically, state entities are given the right to prohibit the use of e-bikes on walking and biking paths for the protection of those on a walk or riding a manual bicycle. 

“E-bikes may not be as fast as cars, but they are fast enough to cause serious injuries with little warning. As the weather is starting to warm up, more people want to be outside. I highly encourage using these paths as they were intended: to walk or to ride a manual bicycle. And more than that, I encourage safe practices when doing so,” said DeLaRosa.

House Bill 4768 passed the House and now heads to the Senate for consideration.