Advocates looking for ways for e-motos and e-bikes to coexist
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An e-moto on a sidewalk off Michigan Ave. Photo: Carrie Shepherd/Axios
Biking and pedestrian advocates are raising red flags about e-motos and the problems they're creating for e-bike riders.
Why it matters: Municipalities across the state started responding to residents' complaints about "mini motorcycles" earlier this summer, and confusion about the difference between e-bikes and e-motos has led some towns to restrict e-bike use.
- Now, advocates want state lawmakers to get involved.
How it works: E-motos have a similar frame to a bike, but a throttle like a motorcycle, which can propel the bike to more than 20 mph without pedaling.
- They also have an electric motor that's greater than 750 watts (one horsepower).
- These should not be used on sidewalks or trails.
Meanwhile, e-bikes are pedal-assisted and the electric motor cuts out at either 20 mph (for class 1) or 28 mph (for class 3).
- Class 2 e-bikes are non-pedal-assisted, but the motor still cuts out at 20 mph.
Friction point: The e-motos are increasingly common in dense areas packed with restaurants and retail, like Gold Coast or the Loop, with drivers whizzing in and out of pedestrians on sidewalks and traffic.
Reality check: E-motos are more affordable than cars and don't require a driver's license to operate, making them an appealing alternative.
State of play: Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd), whose ward includes Gold Coast, has introduced legislation in City Council to prohibit class 3 low-speed e-bikes and e-motos from the sidewalk.
What's next: Ride Illinois and Active Transportation Alliance are hosting an online forum Aug. 22 to discuss e-moto/e-bike ordinances.
- Ride Illinois executive director Dave Simmons says advocates will meet with the public to draft state legislation to regulate e-motos that they hope to introduce to lawmakers next year.
The bottom line: "The main thing is, if you're working on a local ordinance, cool your jets," Simmons tells Axios.
- "We need to focus on a long-term solution, not this patchwork of ordinances that are just confusing the public and most likely resulting in more trips by car, which we all know is the real reason people are being seriously injured and killed on Illinois roads."