Ram Villivalam

A new Illinois law regulating electric bikes, scooters and other electric mobility devices takes effect Jan. 1, establishing the state's first uniform standards for these vehicles. Signed by Gov. JB Pritzker after lobbying from emergency room doctors and pushed by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, the law sets age requirements for riders of low-speed e-bikes and scooters and imposes licensing, titling and insurance rules for high-speed electric vehicles capable of exceeding 28 mph.

Supporters, including state Sen. Ram Villivalam, say the rules respond to rising injuries and fatalities linked to electric mobility devices as they've proliferated on streets and paths. Critics are split: some in the e-bike industry argue the 16-and-older age requirement is too restrictive and unfairly singles out these vehicles compared to cars, while Republican House Minority Leader Tony McCombie says the law was rushed and overlooks other vehicles like UTVs. Villivalam expects further amendments as the technology evolves.