SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker has roughly a week left to decide if he will sign the bipartisan plan to regulate e-bikes. Many community leaders and parents are anxiously waiting to see if the plan becomes a law.

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said e-bikes and other devices have become faster, heavier and more powerful, but Illinois laws have not changed to address that.

"I'm not one of those old guys that complains about things, but I saw two people that were literally on motorcycles on the bike path, which is dangerous for everyone and not what our bike paths were intended for," Giannoulias said.

The bill could classify high-speed vehicles as electric micromobility devices and set speed limits already in place across most of the country. It also treats high-powered e-bikes and e-motos like other large vehicles by requiring registration, insurance and a valid driver's license.

"This was not easy," said Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). "This was legislation that was heavily discussed and debated, making sure that we took into account perspectives of law enforcement and also those that use these devices every day through the Active Transportation Alliance, and everyone in between."

E-scooters, electric skateboards and electric unicycles will be banned from operating over 28 miles per hour on roads, bike lanes, bike paths and sidewalks. The plan also states riders must be at least 16 years old.

Pritzker recently told reporters he is still reviewing the bill.

"There's a purpose behind the bill that I think is valid," Pritzker said Wednesday. "As to the question of whether there ought to be changes made or trailer bills, I haven't evaluated that yet. So, I really don't have a great answer for you. But I promise you that you will know as soon as I have those answers." 

Senate Bill 3484 gained strong bipartisan support in both chambers. The measure received an 84-16 vote in the House and a 48-7 vote in the Senate.

The new regulations will take effect on Jan. 1 if Pritzker signs the bill into law.

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