SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam spearheaded a measure through the Senate that would establish regulations for the use of toy vehicles, motor-driven bicycles and other small, low-speed electric mobility devices in Illinois.

“E-bikes and other increasingly popular micromobility devices are being utilized by our neighbors. While these devices provide more accessibility for our residents, they have also led to tragic accidents,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It is imperative that we implement safeguards to ensure that everyone who uses a micromobility device is able to do so in a safe way.”

A study conducted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated a total of 360,800 emergency room visits from injuries sustained during micromoibility devices accidents.

Senate Bill 3336 would regulate the use of toy vehicles, motor-driven cycles, and electric micromobility devices. To achieve this, the measure would:

• Update the definition of low-speed gas bicycles to increase allowable top speed to 28 miles per hour.
• Prohibit any micromobility device over 28 mph from sidewalks, bike lanes, bike paths and roadways.
• Requires any electric bicycle with a motor over 750 watts and speeds over 28 miles per hour, emoto devices and gas powered bicycles as a motor driven cycle, requiring license, registration, title and insurance coverage.
• Prohibit the use of a micromobility device while intoxicated and clarifies that DUI laws apply to low-speed electric bikes and low-speed gas bicycles.
• Require clear signage in places where motor driven cycles are prohibited.
• Prohibit retailers, distributors and manufacturers from marketing devices/vehicles in any way that would lead a customer to believe they are a low-speed e-bike.
• Prohibit persons from operating low-speed gas bicycles from riding at speeds greater 28 miles per hour on any highway, street or roadway.
• Prohibit persons from operating low-speed gas bicycles on sidewalks.

In addition, the measure wouald work to set regulations and passenger restrictions for operators under 18. The measure would:

• Require a minimum age of 15 years old to operate a class 1 or class 2 low-speed electronic bicycle.
• Clarifies that a person 16 years of age or older can operate a low-speed gas bicycle.

“By establishing safeguards that bolster the safety those who are too young cannot operate micromoblity devices, and that these devices are being operated in areas that are appropriate, we are ensuring that our neighbors are reducing their risk for an accident while operating a micromoblity device,” said Villivalam.

Senate Bill 3336 passed the Senate Wednesday, and now heads to the House for further consideration.