Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A statewide standard, rather than a hodgepodge of local rules, is one goal of a bill to regulate electronic bicycles and similar vehicles.
“There’s different classifications,” said Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias (pictured, left), “but (the bill covers) everything from a pedal-assisted electronic bike, where you pedal and there’s an electric motor on there that akes it go faster. There’s electric unicycles, electric skateboards, and there’s e-bikes which essentially lower-speed mopeds that look like bicycles.”
In most cases, the bill, which passed the Senate unanimously Wednesday, sets a speed limit of 28 mph, addresses training and education, and requires a driver’s license.
“The technology has moved faster than our laws,” said State Sen. Darby Hills (pictured, right) (R-Barrington Hills). “Right now, the rules for the road and for riders are unclear, and law enforcement doesn’t always have the tools they need to address the unsafe operation.”
The chief sponsor, State Sen. Ram Villivalam (pictured, center) (D-Chicago) said he saw a vehicle crash into a building last month, injuring two girls. “It is that type of an example where we are trying to make sure people are educated. They go through the right process, and this is a policy that we (want to) get implemented so everyone is safe.”
