SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A bill moving in the Illinois House could help protect pedestrians, riders and drivers from unregulated electric bikes, scooters and skateboards. This is a top priority for the Secretary of State’s office as more young people begin using these devices.

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said e-bikes and other devices have become faster, heavier and more powerful, but Illinois laws do not address the modern vehicles. His plan could classify the vehicles as electric micromobility devices and set speed limits that are already in place across most of the country.

"It recognizes that higher speed, higher powered e-bikes and e-motos are no longer bicycles," Giannoulias said. "They function more like motorcycles, and this bill treats them accordingly, requiring registration, insurance and a valid driver’s license."

The proposal would also apply DUI laws to anyone operating e-bikes while under the influence. This bill could hold manufacturers accountable for deceptive marketing as well.

"I had a constituent whose husband was an employee of ISU and lost his life being hit by a motorized bike," said Rep. Regan Deering (R-Decatur). "So, I appreciate the insurance policy also that will be going on these, so that in the future, families will be able to maybe receive some compensation."

Researchers at Columbia University found e-bike injuries surged by nearly 300% nationwide from 2019 to 2022. Illinois has seen several high-profile deaths involving these bikes, and pediatric doctors consistently see kids arrive at hospitals with catastrophic injuries.

"Complex fractures of the elbow, forearms, facial injuries, teeth that are knocked out and traumatic brain injuries, which of course [require] hospitalization and prolonged recovery," said Dr. Kristine Cieslak from Lurie Children’s Hospital Chicago. "Some people may never recover completely from these types of injuries."

Senate Bill 3336 passed unanimously out of the House Transportation: Vehicles and Safety Committee Wednesday. The measure now moves to the House floor for further consideration. It previously gained unanimous support in the Senate. 

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