Bill Text: IL HB2876 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Introduced

---

Bill Title: 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.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced) 2023-02-16 - Referred to Rules Committee [HB2876 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-HB2876-Introduced.html

---

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2023 and 2024 HB2876 Introduced , 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
HB2876 LRB103 29965 MXP 56384 b
AN ACT concerning transportation.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
represented in the General Assembly:
Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by
changing Section 1-146 and by adding Sections 1-140.11 and
11-1412.4 as follows:
(625 ILCS 5/1-140.11 new)
Sec. 1-140.11. Low-speed electric scooter. A low-speed
electric scooter is a vehicle that has the following
specifications:
(1) it is designed to transport only the operator;
(2) it weighs less than 100 pounds;
(3) 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;
(4) it is equipped with handlebars and a platform
designed to be stood on while riding;
(5) it is powered solely by an electric motor and
human power; and
(6) it has a maximum speed, on a paved level surface,
of no more than 20 miles per hour.
"Low-speed electric scooter" does not include: (i) a moped
or motor-driven cycle; (ii) a low-speed electric bicycle;

HB2876 - 2 - LRB103 29965 MXP 56384 b
(iii) an electric wheelchair or other mobility aid used by a
disabled individual; (iv) an electric personal assistive
mobility device; or (v) any other motorized vehicle not
meeting the specifications under this Section.
(625 ILCS 5/1-146) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1-146)
Sec. 1-146. Motor vehicle. Every vehicle which is
self-propelled and every vehicle which is propelled by
electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not
operated upon rails, except for vehicles moved solely by human
power, motorized wheelchairs, low-speed electric scooters,
electric personal assistive mobility devices, low-speed
electric bicycles, and low-speed gas bicycles. For this Act,
motor vehicles are divided into two divisions:
First Division: Those motor vehicles which are designed
for the carrying of not more than 10 persons.
Second Division: Those motor vehicles which are designed
for carrying more than 10 persons, those motor vehicles
designed or used for living quarters, those motor vehicles
which are designed for pulling or carrying freight, cargo or
implements of husbandry, and those motor vehicles of the First
Division remodelled for use and used as motor vehicles of the
Second Division.
(Source: P.A. 96-125, eff. 1-1-10.)
(625 ILCS 5/11-1412.4 new)

HB2876 - 3 - LRB103 29965 MXP 56384 b
Sec. 11-1412.4. Use of low-speed electric scooters within
local governments.
(a) Subject to the restrictions of this Section, 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. The use of low-speed electric scooters within any
municipality or county is allowed only if authorized by that
municipality or county under this Section. Any authorization
or regulation by a county applies only in the unincorporated
area of that county.
(b) No person below the age of 16 may operate a low-speed
electric scooter on any highway, sidewalk, trail, or other
public right-of-way. While operating a low-speed electric
scooter, the operator shall have a valid driver's license,
instruction permit, or State identification card on his or her
person.
(c) A low-speed electric scooter must be equipped with a
braking system that enables the operator to reduce its speed
or make a complete stop.
(d) A low-speed electric scooter must be equipped with (i)
a lamp on the front that emits a white light visible from a
distance of at least 500 feet to the front and (ii) a red
reflector on the rear that is visible from all distances from
100 feet to 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of

HB2876 - 4 - LRB103 29965 MXP 56384 b
lawful lower beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. A lamp
emitting a steady or flashing red light visible from a
distance of at least 500 feet to the rear may be used in
addition to or instead of the red reflector. The lamp and
reflectors under this subsection must be in use during the
period sunset to sunrise, at times when rain, snow, fog, or
other atmospheric conditions require the use of windshield
wipers on automobiles, and at any other times when, due to
insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions,
persons, and vehicles on the highway are not clearly
discernible at a distance of 1,000 feet.
(e) No person may use a low-speed electric scooter to
carry more than one person at one time. No person operating a
low-speed electric scooter may attach himself or herself or
the scooter to any other vehicle being operated on the public
right-of-way.
(f) Unless specifically stated otherwise in an ordinance
or resolution by a municipality or county authorizing the use
of low-speed electric scooters within its jurisdiction, the
use of a low-speed electric scooter shall not be deemed to be
an intended use of a public right-of-way under Section 3-102
of the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort
Immunity Act.