Stuart-Backed Bill Regulating Low-Speed Electric Bicycles Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, helped pass a bill allowing state entities to prohibit the use of low-speed electronic bicycles on any path within state jurisdiction, prioritizing the safety of both pedestrians and manual cyclists.

“On a nice spring day, I love to go for a walk around our community. It’s good for the soul to be outside and move around,” said Stuart. “That peace can easily be interrupted for pedestrians by low-speed cyclists riding by, or for cyclists when they don’t have a clear path to ride on.”

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. 

“This bill will ensure that both walkers and bikers are safe on our trails as we head into the spring and summer months and beyond,” said Stuart. “We’re simply preventing injuries or mishaps and ensuring everyone can enjoy their time walking or riding safely.”

House Bill 4768 passed the House with bipartisan support and now heads to the Senate.