City of Northlake
E-Bike & E-Scooter Regulations
The City of Northlake passed an ordinance in November 2025 regulating E-Bicycles and E-Scooters.
Many people are riding around the city on the electric bicycles and the stand-up E-Scooters.
Some important things to know.
There are 3 official classes of E-Bikes.
1. Class 1: an electric bicycle 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 20 miles per hour and < 750 watts.
2. Class 2: an electric bicycle 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 miles per hour and < 750 watts.
3. Class 3: an electric bicycle 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 miles per hour and > 750 watts.
"Class 4" e-bike is not an official category in most e-bike laws, but it refers to high-power, high-speed electric bikes that are legally classified as motorized vehicles like mopeds or motorcycles. These bikes typically have motors over 750 watts and can go faster than 28 mph, requiring licensing, registration, and insurance, and are generally restricted to roads used by motor vehicles rather than bike paths.
E-Scooter: Any device weighing less than 100 pounds, with 2 or 3 wheels, handlebars and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding, that is solely powered by an electric motor and human power.
OPERATION
A. No person shall operate an Electric Bicycle or E-Scooter in such a manner that constitutes Reckless Operation.
B. It shall be unlawful to operate an Electric Bicycle or E-Scooter while carrying a package, bundle, or article in a manner that prevents the operator from keeping both hands on the handlebars.
C. It shall be unlawful to operate an Electric Bicycle or E-Scooter while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
D. No Electric Bicycle or E-Scooter shall be used to carry more than one (1) person unless the Electric Bicycle or E-Scooter is specifically designed for more than one (1) person.
E. The use of a handheld cell phone, or similar device, while operating an Electric Bicycle or E-Scooter is prohibited
F. No person may operate an Electric Bicycle or E-Scooters unless they are sixteen (16) years of age or older (unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).
G. Non-electric Bicycles may be operated on any Roadway, bike lane or sidewalk within the City.
H. Except as prohibited by the Illinois Vehicle Code, Electric Bicycles and E-Scooters shall be permitted on Roadways and designated bike lanes provided that no person may operate and E-Scooter on a Roadway with posted speed limit in excess of 30 miles per hour.
I. All Electric Bicycles must have a label affixed by the manufacturer indicating the wattage, top assisted speed and classification of the Electric Bicycle.
SAFETY & EQUIPMENT:
A. Lamps and Reflectors: Every Bicycle, Electric Bicycle and E-Scooter, when in use after sunset, shall be equipped with a lamp on the front that emits a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and with a red reflector on the rear which must be visible from all distances of at least 500 feet to the rear. A lamp emitting a steady or flashing red light visible from a distance of 500 feet may be used in addition to or instead of the red reflector.
B. Any person operating a Bicycle, Electric Bicycles, Low-Speed Electric Bicycles, Low-Speed E-Scooter or E-Scooter shall obey the instructions of traffic signals, signs and other traffic control devices applicable to vehicles
C. Brakes: Every Bicycle and Electric Bicycle with working brakes.
D. Alterations to Electric Bicycle and E-Scooters.
a. No person shall modify an Electric Bicycle, or E-Scooter to change the manufacturer's speed capability.
b. No person shall operate an Electric Bicycle or E-Scooter that allows the device to travel faster than the manufacturer's designated speed capability.
E. Helmets and Eye Protection. All operators and passengers of an Electric Bicycle or E-Scooter shall wear a helmet and eyeglasses or goggles.
F. Riding on Bicycles, Electric Bicycles or Low-Speed Electric Bicycles: A person operating a Bicycle, Electric Bicycle or Low-Speed Electric Bicycle shall not ride other than upon or astride the permanent and regular seat attached thereto, nor carry any other person or persons upon such Bicycles, Electric Bicycles or Low-Speed Electric Bicycles other than upon a firmly attached and regular seat designed and intended for such purpose.
G. Riding on Right: Every person operating a Bicycle, Electric Bicycle or Low-Speed Electric Bicycle upon a public roadway shall ride as near to the right side thereof as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
H. Clinging to Vehicles: No person riding upon any Bicycle, Electric Bicycle or Low-Speed Electric Bicycle shall attach said Bicycle, Low-Speed Electric Bicycle by clinging to any other vehicle.
I. Riding in a Group: Persons operating Bicycles, Electric Bicycles or Low-Speed Electric Bicycles shall ride in single file.
It shall be unlawful for any parent or guardian to permit any minor child of which they are a parent or guardian to violate any provisions of this chapter.
Every person convicted of a violation of any provision of this chapter shall be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).
Learn more at: Ordinance NO. o-20-2025
E-BIKE AND E-SCOOTERS INFORMATION FLYER
