103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
HB2876

 

Introduced 2/16/2023, by Rep. Sharon Chung

 

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 
625 ILCS 5/1-140.11 new
625 ILCS 5/1-146  from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1-146
625 ILCS 5/11-1412.4 new

    Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the specifications of a low-speed electric scooter include the following: (i) it is a vehicle designed to transport only one operator; (ii) it weighs less than 100 pounds; (iii) it has single wheels in tandem or has 3 wheels in a combination of one or 2 wheels at the front and rear of the vehicle; (iv) it is equipped with handlebars and a platform designed to be stood on while riding; (v) it is powered solely by an electric motor and human power; and (vi) it has a maximum speed of no more than 20 miles per hour on a paved level surface. Changes the definition of "motor vehicle" to exclude low-speed electric scooters and electric personal assistive mobility devices. Provides that a municipality or county may authorize and regulate the operation of low-speed electric scooters within the unit of local government on all highways, sidewalks, trails, or other public right-of-way where the operation of bicycles is permitted. Provides that use of a low-speed electric scooters within any municipality or county is allowed only if authorized by that municipality or county. Provides that an authorization or regulation by a county applies only in the unincorporated area of that county. Provides that no person under 16 years of age may operate a low-speed electric scooter. Provides that a low-speed electric scooter must be equipped with safety devices lamps, reflectors, and a braking system. Restricts a person from using a low-speed scooter to carry more than one person at a time. Makes other changes.


LRB103 29965 MXP 56384 b

 

 

A BILL FOR

 

HB2876LRB103 29965 MXP 56384 b

1    AN ACT concerning transportation.
 
2    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3represented in the General Assembly:
 
4    Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by
5changing Section 1-146 and by adding Sections 1-140.11 and
611-1412.4 as follows:
 
7    (625 ILCS 5/1-140.11 new)
8    Sec. 1-140.11. Low-speed electric scooter. A low-speed
9electric scooter is a vehicle that has the following
10specifications:
11        (1) it is designed to transport only the operator;
12        (2) it weighs less than 100 pounds;
13        (3) it has single wheels in tandem or has 3 wheels in a
14    combination of one or 2 wheels at the front and rear of the
15    vehicle;
16        (4) it is equipped with handlebars and a platform
17    designed to be stood on while riding;
18        (5) it is powered solely by an electric motor and
19    human power; and
20        (6) it has a maximum speed, on a paved level surface,
21    of no more than 20 miles per hour.
22    "Low-speed electric scooter" does not include: (i) a moped
23or motor-driven cycle; (ii) a low-speed electric bicycle;

 

 

HB2876- 2 -LRB103 29965 MXP 56384 b

1(iii) an electric wheelchair or other mobility aid used by a
2disabled individual; (iv) an electric personal assistive
3mobility device; or (v) any other motorized vehicle not
4meeting the specifications under this Section.
 
5    (625 ILCS 5/1-146)  (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1-146)
6    Sec. 1-146. Motor vehicle. Every vehicle which is
7self-propelled and every vehicle which is propelled by
8electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not
9operated upon rails, except for vehicles moved solely by human
10power, motorized wheelchairs, low-speed electric scooters,
11electric personal assistive mobility devices, low-speed
12electric bicycles, and low-speed gas bicycles. For this Act,
13motor vehicles are divided into two divisions:
14    First Division: Those motor vehicles which are designed
15for the carrying of not more than 10 persons.
16    Second Division: Those motor vehicles which are designed
17for carrying more than 10 persons, those motor vehicles
18designed or used for living quarters, those motor vehicles
19which are designed for pulling or carrying freight, cargo or
20implements of husbandry, and those motor vehicles of the First
21Division remodelled for use and used as motor vehicles of the
22Second Division.
23(Source: P.A. 96-125, eff. 1-1-10.)
 
24    (625 ILCS 5/11-1412.4 new)

 

 

HB2876- 3 -LRB103 29965 MXP 56384 b

1    Sec. 11-1412.4. Use of low-speed electric scooters within
2local governments.
3    (a) Subject to the restrictions of this Section, a
4municipality or county may authorize and regulate the
5operation of low-speed electric scooters within the unit of
6local government on all highways, sidewalks, trails, or other
7public right-of-way where the operation of bicycles is
8permitted. The use of low-speed electric scooters within any
9municipality or county is allowed only if authorized by that
10municipality or county under this Section. Any authorization
11or regulation by a county applies only in the unincorporated
12area of that county.
13    (b) No person below the age of 16 may operate a low-speed
14electric scooter on any highway, sidewalk, trail, or other
15public right-of-way. While operating a low-speed electric
16scooter, the operator shall have a valid driver's license,
17instruction permit, or State identification card on his or her
18person.
19    (c) A low-speed electric scooter must be equipped with a
20braking system that enables the operator to reduce its speed
21or make a complete stop.
22    (d) A low-speed electric scooter must be equipped with (i)
23a lamp on the front that emits a white light visible from a
24distance of at least 500 feet to the front and (ii) a red
25reflector on the rear that is visible from all distances from
26100 feet to 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of

 

 

HB2876- 4 -LRB103 29965 MXP 56384 b

1lawful lower beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. A lamp
2emitting a steady or flashing red light visible from a
3distance of at least 500 feet to the rear may be used in
4addition to or instead of the red reflector. The lamp and
5reflectors under this subsection must be in use during the
6period sunset to sunrise, at times when rain, snow, fog, or
7other atmospheric conditions require the use of windshield
8wipers on automobiles, and at any other times when, due to
9insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions,
10persons, and vehicles on the highway are not clearly
11discernible at a distance of 1,000 feet.
12    (e) No person may use a low-speed electric scooter to
13carry more than one person at one time. No person operating a
14low-speed electric scooter may attach himself or herself or
15the scooter to any other vehicle being operated on the public
16right-of-way.
17    (f) Unless specifically stated otherwise in an ordinance
18or resolution by a municipality or county authorizing the use
19of low-speed electric scooters within its jurisdiction, the
20use of a low-speed electric scooter shall not be deemed to be
21an intended use of a public right-of-way under Section 3-102
22of the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort
23Immunity Act.