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.​​

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."

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July was the biggest month for employees returning to the office since the pandemic, but Chicago still lags behind the national average, according to a new monthly report.

Why it matters: Return-to-office is a priority for Mayor Brandon Johnson and the business community, hoping to lure workers back downtown to boost economic activity.

By the numbers: The national return-to-office average is at the highest level since the pandemic, but still 22% behind 2019 rates.

Reality check: Chicago is still 34.5% lower than 2019 but has seen drastic improvement year over year. Last July, Chicago's return-to-office rate was almost 10% lower.

Zoom in: Many Chicago businesses have stopped short of full return mandates, settling on hybrid schedules to give employees flexibility. They've also invested in renovations and new office spaces, while creating amenities like supersized kitchens with free coffee and snacks.

• Take Weber Shandwick, whose fancy new digs opened last year at the Merchandise Mart with a visit from Johnson.

What they're saying: "If you want people to come somewhere, they have to feel like they were part of designing and architecting it," Weber Shandwick's Sheila Mulligan tells Axios.

Yes, but: Even though the Merchandise Mart has been a tech hub for years, it is still over 20% vacant. Last week, owners signaled they are selling the building.

• The River North neighborhood is also seeing record-high office vacancies.

The bottom line: With the data trending towards workers returning to the office, Chicago companies are rethinking what that looks and feels like.

Keep reading

💰 Interim CPS CEO Macquline King is resisting pressure from Mayor Brandon Johnson to take out a loan and cover a $175 million pension payment. King's predecessor refused these moves and was dismissed. (Chalkbeat)

🍵 Dozens of men gathered in Wicker Park, brandishing feminist literature and matcha lattes, to compete in a "Performative Male Contest." (Block Club)

🎭 After this month's departure of deputy commissioner Sangini Brahmbhatt, 25 staffers have now left the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events under commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. Mayor Brandon Johnson continues to decline to comment on the DCASE exodus.

🚔 Gov. JB Pritzker signed Sonya Massey's Bill, reforming the way Illinois hires police. (State of Illinois)

The Uptown Theatre celebrates its 100th birthday this month with a new book and a community portrait.

Catch up quick: Once the city's most beautiful entertainment palace, the Uptown started crumbling half a century ago.

• Despite many attempts to revive it, the building at Lawrence and Broadway hasn't hosted a show since 1981.
• In 2018, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced a $75 million city partnership with Jam Productions to restore the theater, but challenges remain.

Surprising stat: "The Uptown was designed to hold thousands of people. Imagine someone opening a movie theater today with 4,320 seats — that would seem insane," Robert Loerzel, co-author of "The Uptown: Chicago's Endangered Movie Palace," tells Axios.

Fun fact: The Uptown presented the Marx Brothers for a week in 1928 and Duke Ellington in 1931.

What's next: The public is invited to join in a community portrait outside the theater at noon Saturday.

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🗓️ Mark your calendar with our Event Board.

Electric Circus At Electric Hotel on Aug 22: Electric Circus takes over Electric Hotel with a night of reggaeton, Latin beats, samba dancers, glow props, and circus theatrics. Expect confetti, photo ops, and VIP perks. 21+ only. Dress to impress. $0-$87.21.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

👋 Hey, it's Monica.

The spot: Community Tavern, 4038 N. Milwaukee Ave.

The vibe: Comfy, elegant, family-friendly neighborhood joint.

Happy time: 5-6 pm Tuesday through Sunday.

The bites: Generous plates of green papaya salad, spicy Chinese dan dan noodles, mushroom dumplings and cheesy kimchi fries for $10 each.

The drinks: $5 draft beer and $10 for a martini, old fashioned or juicy cherry bomb mocktails.

Best bet: Roasted Werp Farm carrots with grilled leeks, Thai basil curry and miso mayo ($10) with a cold IPA ($5).

Skip: Dumplings, which underdeliver at four for $10.

Eight-word review: Cheap beer, friendly service and life-changing carrots.

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