Illinois Public Act 103-0899 prohibits the use of electric scooters unless they are authorized by a local ordinance. The law also sets statewide regulations for communities that do allow the use of e-scooters, including age requirements, equipment standards and limitations on where they can be used.

The Village of Oswego has adopted a local ordinance allowing the use of e-scooters with restrictions set the the State of Illinois.

Regulations

• E-scooter operators must be at or above 18 years old.
• E-scooters may be operated on village-owned roads <35mph, multi-use paths, and other paths within the village, except where otherwise prohibited. They may not be operated on sidewalks.
• E-scooters must weigh under 100 pounds and be under 750 watts. Any E-scooter with a motor over 750 watts is prohibited from operating within the Village.
• E-scooters may not be operated on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or more.
• When operating on a roadway, the operator is to follow the rules of the road.
• If operating at night or in low visibility, e-scooters must utilize a white lamp on the front visible from at least 500 feet, and a red reflector at the rear visible from at least 500 feet.

General Safety Tips

Whether using an e-scooter or an e-bike, following these safety tips can help prevent injuries and keep everyone safe on the road:

• Wear a helmet. Helmets are the most effective way to reduce the risk of head injury.
• Look both ways before riding through any kind of intersection. Stop and look both ways before crossing streets or driveways. Watch for turning vehicles and proceed carefully at crosswalks.
• Walk your wheels in crowded areas. To prevent collisions, dismount and walk your scooter or bike when around large groups of pedestrians.
• Avoid distractions. Do not use electronic devices, including earbuds, headphones or phones, while riding.
• Never ride under the influence. Operating an e-scooter or e-bike while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous and illegal.
• Ride solo. Only one person per scooter—no passengers.
• Be respectful of others. Use your bell/horn to alert pedestrians when passing, or slow down and walk your device when passing a pedestrian.

E-bikes are bicycles equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets the requirements of one of the following classes:

• Class 1: Equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 MPH.
• Class 2: Equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 MPH.
• Class 3: Equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 MPH.

E-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks in the Village and operators must abide by the Bicycle Rules of the Road. 

Regulations:

• Age requirement for all classes of e-bikes is 16 or older.
• E-bikes must have an electric motor of less than 750 watts. E-bikes exceeding 750 watts are prohibited from operating in the Village.
• A helmet is required if the operator is under 18 years of age. Helmets are strongly encouraged for those 18 or older.
• Class 1 and Class 2 e-bicycles may be operated on Village roads, multi-use paths, and other paths within the village except where otherwise prohibited.
• Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on Village trails or paths. Class 3 e-bikes must have a speedometer.  
• If operating at night or in low visibility, e-bikes must utilize a white lamp on the front visible from at least 500 feet, and a red reflector at the rear visible from at least 500 feet.

General Safety Tips

Whether using an e-scooter or an e-bike, following these safety tips can help prevent injuries and keep everyone safe on the road:

• Wear a helmet. Helmets are the most effective way to reduce the risk of head injury.
• Look both ways before riding through any kind of intersection. Stop and look both ways before crossing streets or driveways. Watch for turning vehicles and proceed carefully at crosswalks.
• Walk your wheels in crowded areas. To prevent collisions, dismount and walk your scooter or bike when around large groups of pedestrians.
• Avoid distractions. Do not use electronic devices, including earbuds, headphones or phones, while riding.
• Never ride under the influence. Operating an e-scooter or e-bike while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous and illegal.
• Ride solo. Only one person per scooter—no passengers.
• Be respectful of others. Use your bell/horn to alert pedestrians when passing, or slow down and walk your device when passing a pedestrian.

Unlicensed Off-Road Motor Vehicles are any motor-driven scooter or bicycle, all-terrain vehicle, go-cart, minibike, off-road motorcycle, or other similar motor-driven vehicle for which the State of Illinois does not issue a title document, registration plates, or registration documents. The definition of Unlicensed Off-Road Motor Vehicle does not include low-speed electric scooters and low-speed electric bicycles. A low-speed E-bicycle is NOT a moped or a motor-driven cycle.

Prohibited use. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate an Unlicensed Off-Road Motor Vehicle in the Village under any of the following conditions:

• On public property, including but not limited to multi-use paths, sidewalks, school grounds, park property, playgrounds, recreational areas and golf courses, without express provisions or written permission to do so by the record owner of the public property;
• Within the right-of-way of any public street. An Unlicensed Off-Road Motor Vehicle may be towed on the streets in compliance with all laws related to towing;
• On the private property of another without the express written permission of the owner or lessee of the property; failure to post signs does not imply consent for Unlicensed Off-Road Motor Vehicle use;
• In a careless, reckless, or negligent manner so as to endanger the safety of any person or the property of any other person;
• At a rate of speed that is unreasonable or improper under the circumstances;
• While under the influence of intoxicating liquor, controlled substances, cannabis or drugs;
• In a manner so as to create loud, unnecessary or unusual noise so as to disturb or interfere with the peace and quiet of other persons.

1. Why did the Village create this ordinance?

The Village’s ordinance is based on Illinois law and is designed to promote safety for riders, pedestrians, and motorists. For full details and definitions, please read the ordinance below.

2.  Why can’t I ride on the sidewalk?

Sidewalk use is addressed in both Illinois law and the Village ordinance to help protect pedestrians. Sidewalks are primarily intended for foot traffic.

3. Isn’t this just another way to ticket people?

The purpose of the ordinance is education and safety. Our goal is to ensure everyone understands where and how these devices may be operated so riders, pedestrians, and motorists can share public spaces safely.

4. Why do this now?

Electric bikes and scooters are more common today, and the ordinance helps clarify existing state laws and expectations. This provides consistency and clearer guidance for everyone using public roads and paths.

5. Why is the Village regulating this at all?

Illinois law already regulates these devices. E-scooters are prohibited by Illinois law unless a municipality specifically authorizes them through a local ordinance. The Village ordinance aligns with state law and addresses local regulations to improve safety and clarity within the community for multiple types of devices.

6. This only affects kids / doesn’t apply to adults.

The ordinance applies to all riders and operators. Specific age requirements vary by device type and are explained in the Village ordinance and infographic below.

7. Other towns don’t do this.

Many communities adopt local ordinances to align with state law and address their own roadways, sidewalks, and paths. Our ordinance reflects local needs while remaining consistent with Illinois law.

8. Where can I actually ride then?

Permitted locations depend on the type of device. The infographic and above information break it down by e-bike, e-scooter, and off-road vehicle for easy reference. 

9. Does this apply to Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices?

This ordinance does not govern electric personal assistive mobility devices. Those devices fall under Illinois Statute and are allowed on sidewalks. Please see 625 ILCS 5/11-1412.1, 1412.2, and 625 ILCS 5/11-1005.1.

For the full ordinance, please read Ordinance 25-114 Electric Scooter, Low Speed Electric Scooters, Low Speed Motorized Skateboards, Electric Bicycles and Unlicensed Off-Road Motor Vehicles.