E-Bike and E-Scooter Ordinance

With an intent to further facilitate safe ridership in the village, the Schaumburg Village Board approved a new ordinance to help regulate the use of E-bikes and E-scooters in the community.

The ordinance clarifies age requirements for riders, where bikes and scooters can be used in the village, and penalties for riders who fail to comply with the ordinance. View the infographic below that details the highlights of the ordinance.

Electric Bikes & Scooters Infographic

Learn how Illinois is improving safety, education, and statewide rules for e-bikes and other micromobility devices, visit the Illinois Secretary of State website for more information. 

Who Can Ride

Riders of E-bikes and E-scooters must be at least 16 years old.

Where to Ride

E-bikes, up to a top assisted speed of 20 miles per hour, and E-scooters can be used on paths and on-street. E-bikes exceeding 20 miles per hour must ride on-street. Low Speed Electric Scooters (those that cannot go faster than 10 miles per hour) are banned from village streets. Regardless of top speed, E-bikes and E-scooters are prohibited from being ridden on the sidewalk. Per State law, any E-bikes capable of exceeding 28 miles per hour or equipped with a motor greater than 750 watts are motor vehicles.

Please note that the Park District may have different rules and regulations.

Requirements

A headlight and taillight are required on E-bikes and E-scooters for nighttime riding. Riders are required to wear a helmet when riding E-bikes and E-scooters for their safety.

Penalties

Riders in violation of the age requirement, permitted riding location, required equipment or means of responsible operation can be cited by the Schaumburg Police Department. Fines can be issued up to $500 based on the number of offenses. In addition, riders committing reckless conduct can have the device impounded for a period of up to 60 days, along with additional fines issued.

Other Best Practices

Parents/caregivers are responsible for ensuring their children understand traffic safety and are following both state and local laws.

• Riders should follow the rules of the road and obey all traffic safety laws, which includes stopping at stop signs, stopping at crosswalks while pedestrians are crossing, and obeying all traffic control devices.
• Use caution and do not assume a motorist, pedestrian or cyclist can hear or see you. Be careful when passing driveways, other roadway openings, and intersections. Watch for vehicles pulling out or turning.
• Yield to pedestrians and animals.
• Consider wearing neon or fluorescent colors or other lighted items to remain visible. Avoid riding at night whenever possible when visibility to others may be limited.
• For everyone's safety, please do not text, wear earbuds or headphones, or use a device that reduces your situational awareness while walking or riding a bicycle.
• Please be respectful of private properties.

For questions regarding the E-bike and E-scooter ordinance, contact the Transportation Department at vostransportation@schaumburg.com or dial 311 in the village. For additional information on biking in Schaumburg, visit our Bicycles page.