E-Bikes, E-Scooters and Other Electric Mobility Devices
Title 11, Chapter 4 of the Naperville Municipal Code regulates the use of electric bicycles, electric scooters and other personal mobility devices within the city. Parts of the ordinance are summarized here, but residents are encouraged to read the ordinance in its entirety for complete rules.
E-Bikes
What is an e-bike?
An e-bike is a bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. There are three classes of e-bikes:
- Class 1: This type helps you only while you’re pedaling and stops helping once you’ve hit 20 mph
- Class 2: This one has a throttle, so you don’t have to pedal. It also stops helping at 20 mph
- Class 3: Like Class 1, it only helps when you’re pedaling – but it keeps helping up to 28 mph
Devices exceeding 750 watts, that do not have operable pedals, or that go faster than 28 mph are NOT e-bikes and are not allowed on Naperville’s public streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, and multi-use paths.
Who can ride them?
You must be at least 16 years old and able to safely operate the device.
What are the rules for riding one?
E-bike riders have the same rights and responsibilities as regular bicyclists under the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11, Art. XV Bicycles) and Naperville Municipal Code. This includes yielding at stop signs and traffic signals, signaling before turning, riding in the same direction as traffic, and not riding more than two side by side. Wearing a helmet isn’t required, but it’s strongly encouraged.
Where can you ride?
E-bikes are NOT allowed on sidewalks or Naperville’s Riverwalk. In addition, Class 3 e-bikes cannot be ridden on city-owned multi-use paths.
Class 1 and 2 e-bikes ARE generally allowed on
- Roadways
- Bike lanes
- City-owned multi-use paths (with a max speed of 15 mph)
- Private property with permission from the property owner
Class 3 e-bikes ARE generally allowed on
- Roadways
- Bike lanes designated for speeds up to 28 mph
- Private property with permission from the property owner
Be sure to check the Naperville Park District and the DuPage and Will County Forest Preserve Districts for their specific rules about using e-bikes on their properties.
E-Scooters
What is an e-scooter?
Naperville’s ordinance defines e-scooters as devices weighing less than 100 pounds, with 2 or 3 wheels, handlebars, and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding, that is powered by a motor and has a maximum speed of 10 mph.
E-scooters capable of exceeding 10 mph are NOT allowed on Naperville’s public streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, and multi-use paths.
Who can ride them?
You must be at least 18 years old and able to safely operate the device.
What are the rules for riding one?
E-scooter riders have the same rights and responsibilities as regular bicyclists under the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11, Art. XV Bicycles) and Naperville Municipal Code. This includes yielding at stop signs and traffic signals, signaling before turning, riding in the same direction as traffic, and not riding more than two side by side. Wearing a helmet isn’t required, but it’s strongly encouraged.
Where can you ride?
E-scooters ARE generally allowed on
- Bike lanes
- Roadways where the posted speed limit is 35 mph or less
- City-owned multi-use paths
- Private property with permission from the property owner
E-scooters are NOT allowed on
- Sidewalks
- Riverwalk
- Roadways with posted speed limits over 35 mph
Be sure to check with the Naperville Park District and the DuPage and Will County Forest Preserve Districts for their specific rules about using e-scooters on their properties.
Other Electric Mobility Devices
If an electric personal mobility device does not fit one of the above definitions of an e-bike or e-scooter, it is likely prohibited on Naperville’s public streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, and multi-use paths unless it is titled and registered as a motor vehicle and operated pursuant to state law.
This includes motor-driven cycles, dirt bikes, minibikes, motor-assisted skateboards, and hover boards, among others. This does not include devices used by a person as an accommodation for a disability.
Please read the ordinance for a full list of permitted and prohibited mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Naperville pass this ordinance?
E-bikes, e-scooters and personal mobility devices have gained popularity as sustainable and efficient modes of travel. However, as more people began using them, City officials identified the need for clear, consistent rules to safely integrate these devices into Naperville’s transportation network. The ordinance aims to protect operators and pedestrians, prevent conflicts, reduce accidents, and preserve the quality of life in Naperville.
Why can’t kids under 16 ride e-bikes in Naperville?
Under state law (625 ILCS 5/11-1517(g)) e-bikes aren’t allowed on sidewalks, meaning riders have to use streets and bike lanes instead. Because that means sharing the road with cars, city officials felt it wouldn’t be safe for kids without Rules of the Road training to ride an e-bike on city streets. That’s why the minimum operating age was set at 16.
What’s the difference between a bike lane and a multi-use path?
Bike lanes are on the roadway surface and can either be delineated with pavement markings or a curb. Multi-use paths are off-street routes (like the DuPage River Trail) that cater to both multiple uses of travel, including pedestrians.
Why does someone have to be 18 to ride an e-scooter?
This age restriction is actually state law (625 ILCS 5/11-1518(c)).
Why are Class 3 e-bikes banned from multi-use paths in Naperville?
The City of Naperville only controls a small portion of multi-use paths within our corporate limits. Most of the trails that many residents use daily are actually under the jurisdiction of the Naperville Park District and the Will and DuPage County Forest Preserve Districts. Those agencies already prohibit Class 3 e-bikes from their shared-use trails, so the City chose to ban them, as well, so that trail users would experience the same standard no matter which agency’s section of trail they happened to be on.
Why is there a 15-mph speed limit for e-bikes on multi-use paths?
Like the above answer, the agencies that control most of the multi-use paths in Naperville already employed a 15-mph speed limit on these trails. We chose to adopt the same speed limit for consistency and to help reduce confusion for people moving between city-, park-, and forest preserve-managed trails.
How can I find out whether my specific e-device is allowed and where it can/can’t be ridden?
E-mobility is a rapidly evolving market with many device variations and variables. New devices are continually being introduced. Citizens are responsible for researching the specifications of individual devices and consulting state law and the City ordinance to determine where the device can legally be operated in Naperville. As a general rule, e-bikes and e-scooters are very clearly defined in the ordinance, which mirrors state law. If a device doesn’t meet one of those definitions, it’s likely not allowed on public streets, sidewalks and paths in Naperville. See the ordinance for definitions and exceptions.
How is Naperville going to enforce this ordinance?
The first step is to educate the community so citizens are aware of the rules and can voluntarily comply. Necessary enforcement by the Naperville Police Department could result from complaints by community members, violations being observed by officers, or as part of targeted enforcement in areas with repeat issues.
What happens if someone violates the ordinance?
A violation of the ordinance is subject to a minimum penalty of $100 and a maximum penalty of $500 per offense. Per the ordinance, if a violation is committed by a minor, their parent or guardian shall be held responsible. Devices may also be impounded at the City’s discretion.