Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for SB1960

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Defines "low-speed electric scooter". Makes changes to the definitions of "motor vehicle" and "vehicle". Provides that a person may not operate a low-speed electric scooter without a driver's license, instruction permit, or State identification card and unless he or she is 16 years of age or older. Provides that a person may operate a low-speed electric scooter where the operation of bicycles are permitted, and shall have all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the rider of a bicycle. Provides requirements for lamps and reflectors for use at nighttime. Prohibits the equipping or use of sirens, with the exception of scooters that are police vehicles or fire department vehicles. Provides a requirement for brakes. Restricts an entity from operating a low-speed electric scooter business within a municipality unless the municipality authorizes such by local ordinance. Effective immediately.

Provides that a person may operate a low-speed electric scooter where the operation of bicycles are permitted, including, but not limited to, bicycle lanes and bicycle paths, unless the municipality, county, or local authority with jurisdiction prohibits the use of low-speed electric scooters or a specific class of low-speed electric scooters on that path, and shall have all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the rider of a bicycle under this Code, except as otherwise provided, and except for provisions that by their nature can have no application.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes: Provides that a municipality or park district may authorize and regulate the operation of low-speed electric scooters within the unit of local government on any or all highways, sidewalks, trails, or other public right of way where the operation of bicycles are permitted (rather than a person may operate a low-speed electric scooter where the operation of bicycles are permitted, including, but not limited to, bicycle lanes and bicycle paths, and shall have all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the rider of a bicycle under the Code, except in specified situations). Provides that the use of low-speed electric scooters within any municipality or park district is allowed only if authorized by the municipality or park district. Provides that an authorization or regulation by a county or park district shall apply only in the unincorporated area of that county or on park district property. Provides that a person may not operate a low-speed electric scooter on a highway with a posted speed limit in excess of 35 mph (rather than a person may not operate a low-speed electric scooter without a driver's license, instruction permit, or State identification card). Provides that a person may not operate a low-speed electric scooter unless he or she is 16 (rather than 18) years of age or older. Provides that a person may not operate a low-speed electric scooter while carrying any package, bundle, or article that prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars. Removes provisions of the Code concerning vehicles and motor vehicles. Removes language providing that an entity may not operate a low-speed electric scooter business within a municipality unless the municipality authorizes the operation of low-speed electric scooters within the municipal limits. Adds provisions relating to use of low-speed electric scooters, low-speed electric scooters in rights-of-way, and operation of low-speed electric scooters under the influence of alcohol or any drug. Exempts low-speed electric scooters from title, registration, and driver's licenses requirements. Effective immediately.

Provides that the restrictions regarding low-speed electric scooters also apply to a forest preserve district and conservation district. Establishes that any authorization or regulation by a park district, forest preserve district, or conservation district applies only on property owned, managed, or leased by the park district, forest preserve district, or conservation district. Provides that every low-speed electric scooter shall be well-maintained and in good operating condition.

Removes language providing that unless specifically stated otherwise in an ordinance or resolution by a municipality, county, or park district authorizing the use of low-speed electric scooters within its jurisdiction, the use of low-speed electric scooter is not an intended use of a public right-of-way under the Local Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act.

Allows the Department of Natural Resources to authorize and regulate the operation of low-speed electric scooters on any or all properties owned, managed, or leased by the Department of Natural Resources. Provides that the use of low-speed electric scooters within any property that is owned, managed, or leased by the Department of Natural Resources is allowed only if authorized by the Department of Natural Resources. Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to adopt administrative rules for the regulation of low-speed electric scooters on any and all properties owned, managed, or leased by the Department of Natural Resources.

×