E-Bike Regulations

In Crystal Lake, riders must be 16 years of age or older to operate an E-bike. E-bikes can be operated on City streets and bike paths. E-bikes cannot be operated on sidewalks. 

Types of E-bikes:

Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 E-bikes have fully operable pedals and an electric motor less than 750 watts. Illinois state law requires that E-bikes are labeled with their classification, top speed, and motor wattage.

E-Scooter Regulations

In accordance with State law, riders must be 18 years of age or older to operate a low-speed electric scooter. E-scooters are permitted on streets where the speed limit is less than 35mph. Only one rider may be on a low-speed E-scooter at a time. E-scooters cannot be operated on sidewalks. 

Where Can I Ride?

 Personal Use Vehicles

The following are considered personal use vehicles: All-terrain vehicles, golf carts, motorized skateboards, off-highway motorcycles, and recreational off-highway vehicles. Personal use vehicles can only be operated on private property with the property owner's permission.

Safety Considerations

• While helmets are not required by state law, the Crystal Lake Police Department strongly encourages anyone operating a bicycle or scooter of any kind to wear a helmet for their safety. 
• E-bikes are not permitted on sidewalks. Juveniles operating an E-bike to travel to school will have to ride in the street and follow all rules of the road. Non-electric bicycles may be operated on sidewalks where permitted.
• Younger riders may not have participated in driver's education and may be less familiar with rules of the road. Drivers may not be able to predict cyclists' actions, resulting in increased risk of accident or injury.
• To be operated at night, bicycles, E-bikes, and E-scooters must be properly outfitted with a white lamp at the front and a red reflector on the back.
  
  

Enforcement and Penalties

Parents and caregivers are responsible for ensuring their child is following regulations, understands traffic safety, and is not operating a device that is not permitted on streets or sidewalks.

It is unlawful for a person to permit any juvenile of which they are a parent or guardian to violate any regulations regarding bicycles, E-bikes, or E-scooters. The Crystal Lake Police Department can issue tickets to both riders and their parents/guardians. In addition, the Crystal Lake Police Department shall have the authority to either impound the vehicle or immediately release the device directly to a parent or guardian.

Please call 9-1-1 to report unlawful operation of E-bikes, E-scooters,  or other devices. All bicycle, E-bike, and E-scooter riders must follow the rules of the road. Citations include a fine of at least $50 and could require attending an administrative adjudication hearing at City Hall.

Certain infractions may result in a citation for a violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Convictions for these violations are reported to the Illinois Secretary of State and may affect a person's driver's license status and/or insurance rates.