96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2009 and 2010
SB0236

 

Introduced 2/4/2009, by Sen. Heather Steans

 

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 
625 ILCS 5/1-140.10 new
625 ILCS 5/1-146   from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1-146
625 ILCS 5/11-1516 new

    Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Defines a low-speed electric bicycle as a 2 or 3-wheeled device with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (one horsepower), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 miles per hour. Excludes low-speed electric bicycles from the definition of "motor vehicle". Provides that a person may operate a low-speed electric bicycle only if the person has a valid current Illinois driver's license, regardless of classification, and the person is at least 16 years of age. Prohibits operation of a low-speed electric bicycle at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour upon any highway, street, or roadway. Prohibits operation of a low-speed electric bicycle on a sidewalk. Provides that, except as otherwise provided, the provisions of the Article of the Code dealing with bicycles also apply to low-speed electric bicycles.


LRB096 03293 AJT 13311 b

 

 

A BILL FOR

 

SB0236 LRB096 03293 AJT 13311 b

1     AN ACT concerning transportation.
 
2     Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3 represented in the General Assembly:
 
4     Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by adding
5 Sections 1-140.10 and 11-1516 and by changing Section 1-146 as
6 follows:
 
7     (625 ILCS 5/1-140.10 new)
8     Sec. 1-140.10. Low-speed electric bicycle. A 2 or 3-wheeled
9 device with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less
10 than 750 watts (one horsepower), whose maximum speed on a paved
11 level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden
12 by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 miles per
13 hour.
 
14     (625 ILCS 5/1-146)  (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1-146)
15     Sec. 1-146. Motor vehicle. Every vehicle which is
16 self-propelled and every vehicle which is propelled by electric
17 power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated
18 upon rails, except for vehicles moved solely by human power,
19 and motorized wheelchairs, and low-speed electric bicycles.
20 For this Act, motor vehicles are divided into two divisions:
21     First Division: Those motor vehicles which are designed for
22 the carrying of not more than 10 persons.

 

 

SB0236 - 2 - LRB096 03293 AJT 13311 b

1     Second Division: Those motor vehicles which are designed
2 for carrying more than 10 persons, those motor vehicles
3 designed or used for living quarters, those motor vehicles
4 which are designed for pulling or carrying freight, cargo or
5 implements of husbandry, and those motor vehicles of the First
6 Division remodelled for use and used as motor vehicles of the
7 Second Division.
8 (Source: P.A. 85-1010.)
 
9     (625 ILCS 5/11-1516 new)
10     Sec. 11-1516. Low-speed electric bicycles.
11     (a) A person may operate a low-speed electric bicycle only
12 if: (i) the person has a valid current Illinois driver's
13 license, regardless of classification; and (ii) the person is
14 at least 16 years of age.
15     (b) A person may not operate a low-speed electric bicycle
16 at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour upon any highway,
17 street, or roadway.
18     (c) A person may not operate a low-speed electric bicycle
19 on a sidewalk.
20     (d) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the
21 provisions of this Article XV that apply to bicycles also apply
22 to low-speed electric bicycles.