Huntley introduces restrictions on electric bikes – Shaw Local

People under 18 can now be fined if they ride e-scooters HuntleyThe Neighborhood Council made a unanimous decision on Thursday.

Under the new rules, children under 16 riding some electric bikes could also be fined if they use the bike’s motor.

Officials say the crackdown is the result of an increasing number of e-bike accidents in Huntley. Since February 8, Huntley police have reported 64 dispatches regarding e-bikes.

While the new ordinance is similar to state law, officials say declaring it a violation of the ordinance will help keep children out of the court system.

In Illinois, people must be at least 16 years old to ride a Class 3 e-bike. In Huntley, anyone riding a low-speed electric or gas bike must be at least 16 years old, but officials have made an exception that people under 16 can ride e-bikes class 1 or 2 as long as the engine is switched off.

Class 1 slow electric bikes have motors that only assist when the rider is pedaling and stop when they reach a speed of 20 miles per hour. The motors on Class 2 e-bikes also stop when the rider reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour, but they run regardless of whether the rider is pedaling. Under Illinois road rules, Class 3 assists when a cyclist pedals and disengages at 40 km/h.

We didn’t want this. Over the past two days, I’ve heard the term “government overreach” on Facebook, and that’s the last thing we wanted to do.

— Village President Tim Hoeft

E-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks, but can be used on Huntley’s cycle and multi-use paths as long as the engine is switched off.

“If the pedals are in motion, they will be able to enter the multi-use path,” said Huntley Police Chief Linda Hooten.

Hooten said electric bikes with a power of 750 watts or more are only allowed on private property with the owner’s permission. Some examples of bicycles that authorities have deemed prohibited include the Sur Ron, Talaria and Super 73.

“We saw these vehicles and bicycles on our streets,” as well as on bike paths and multi-use paths exceeding speeds of 35 to 37 mph where children were transported, Hooten said.

Village regulations require e-scooter operators to be at least 18 years old and are prohibited on sidewalks or other paths where vehicles are not permitted. Scooters are also not allowed on roads where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or more, or on state highways.

The Huntley Police Department has received reports of young cyclists riding unsafely, crossing streets and parking lots at high speeds, zigzagging on roads and failing to stop at intersections, Hooten said.

A chart shared with the Village Board showed the district with the most complaints was Northbridge (14) and Talamore (13). Police also received nine complaints downtown and one in Sun City, according to Hooten and the chart.

Fines will start at $25 and go up to $500, but police can also issue a state citation, Hooten said.

“Our goal is not to make it harder for kids to have fun,” Hooten said.

Some residents stated during public comments that they needed electric assistance to continue cycling. Village President Tim Hoeft said in response that unless people give police a reason to stop them, they won’t check whether cyclists are pedaling or coasting.

The regulation also clarifies that it does not apply to people using electric wheelchairs.

Hoeft said the problem has occurred since the weather improved.

“We didn’t want this. “Over the last two days, I’ve heard the term ‘government overreach’ on Facebook, and that’s the last thing we wanted to do,” Hoeft said.

Hoeft said the change is a “last resort” for the village. Hoeft also emphasized that the change was not intended to make money.

Superintendent Ric Zydorowicz said it’s unfair when children and drivers behave appropriately. He said he doesn’t like regulating residents any more than necessary, but appreciated that it’s basically state law and Huntley “put some teeth into it” to try to stop the problem locally.

Trustee Ronda Goldman said this is to protect both the children and the borough.

“To me, it’s common sense,” Goldman said.