Batavia Illinois – The 5th Ward

You’ve likely noticed a quiet revolution on our streets: the rise of electric mobility. From e-bikes to electric scooters, these devices offer fantastic benefits, reducing traffic and pollution while making our city more accessible . However, as with any new technology, safety concerns have followed—specifically regarding speed, sidewalk riding, and the safety of our youngest residents .

At the City Council meeting on February 16, 2026, the Batavia Police Department and the Active Transportation Commission presented a plan to introduce local regulations for e-mobility devices .

Here is the history behind this decision and a summary of what parents and riders can expect in the near future.

Why Is This Happening Now?

While the State of Illinois has laws defining e-bikes, there are significant gaps and the primary driver for this new ordinance is safety. Police Chief Blowers highlighted increasing complaints about riders operating unsafe devices in congested areas, particularly downtown, and weaving dangerously close to pedestrians .

A major point of confusion has been the difference between a standard pedal-assist “e-bike” and what officials call “e-motos” or electric dirt bikes. These high-powered devices often lack functional pedals, can exceed speeds of 30 or 40 mph, and are frequently marketed to children as “e-bikes” despite being powerful motor vehicles .

The goal of the new ordinance is not to discourage riding, but to create “safe, equitable, and enforceable regulations” that protect both the riders and the pedestrians they share the road with .

The “Pedals Not Pegs” Rule: Knowing Your Vehicle

The cornerstone of the proposed regulation is a simple distinction: Pedals, not Pegs .

1. Regulated E-Bikes (Allowed)

The city will continue to align with state law, which defines three classes of low-speed electric bicycles. To be legal, these bikes must have fully operable pedals .

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, max speed 20 mph.
• Class 2: Throttle-assist allowed, max speed 20 mph.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, max speed 28 mph (Riders must be 16+) .
• Where to ride: These belong on the street or bike paths, not on sidewalks in downtown areas .

2. E-Motos and Electric Dirt Bikes (Prohibited on Paths)

If a device has foot pegs instead of functional pedals, or if it exceeds 750 watts of power (one horsepower) and can be propelled solely by a throttle at high speeds, it is likely considered a motor vehicle under state law .

• The Rule: These devices will be prohibited from bike paths, sidewalks, and parks . They are essentially unregistered motorcycles and should not be operated by unlicensed children on public property .

3. Electric Scooters (New Rules Coming)

Currently, state law only recognizes low-speed scooters (under 10 mph). However, many modern scooters go much faster. The Council is looking to create a local classification for these faster scooters (up to ~20 mph) to ensure they are regulated safely, rather than leaving them in a legal grey area .

What This Means for Parents and Children

The Council’s discussion focused heavily on the safety of young riders. If you are a parent of a child with an e-bike or e-scooter, here are the key provisions likely to be included in the ordinance:

• Mandatory Helmets for Youth: There was strong consensus among the City Council to mandate helmets for all riders 16 and under..
• Parental Responsibility: The ordinance will likely include a provision holding parents accountable for violations committed by their children. If a minor is caught riding recklessly or on a prohibited device, the parent could be liable for the fines .
• Lights Required: To improve visibility, especially for those riding on the street, the ordinance is expected to require front and rear lights on e-bikes and scooters .
• Sidewalks are for Pedestrians: Expect stricter rules prohibiting the use of motor-assisted devices on sidewalks, particularly in the downtown business district .  However, it’s acknowledged there may be instances where sidewalk riding is unavoidable and enforcement would likely be at the discretion of the officer.

Education First, Enforcement Second

City officials and the Police Department emphasized that they do not want to simply hand out tickets. The primary goal is education and compliance .

The proposed enforcement structure is “graduated,” meaning:

1. First Offense: Likely a warning and an educational opportunity (such as a safety quiz or class) .
2. Repeat Offenses: Fines that escalate with subsequent violations .
3. Community Service: The Council discussed using community service as an alternative to monetary fines for young offenders, ensuring they learn from the mistake rather than just having parents pay the ticket .

Next Steps

The City of Batavia will get an ordinance together to be voted on with an ask for public input and plans to roll out a public education campaign in partnership with schools and local bike shops before strict enforcement begins . This will give every family time to check their equipment, buy a helmet, and learn the rules of the road.

As we move toward warmer weather, please take a moment to look at your family’s e-mobility devices. Remember: if it has pegs instead of pedals, it belongs on private property or a motocross track, not the Fox River Trail.

Presentation: https://bataviail.community.highbond.com/document/674aaed0-c5b4-41da-84d6-08f1c3d976c9

Author: Jim Fahrenbach