Sec. 11-1517. Low-speed electric bicycles.
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Sec. 11-1517. Low-speed electric bicycles.
(a)Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the provisions of this Chapter that apply to bicycles also apply to low-speed electric bicycles.
(b)Each low-speed electric bicycle operating in this State shall comply with equipment and manufacturing requirements adopted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission under 16 CFR 1512. Each Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle shall be equipped with a speedometer that displays the speed the bicycle is traveling in miles per hour.
(c)Beginning on or after January 1, 2018, every manufacturer and distributor of low-speed electric bicycles shall apply a label that is permanently affixed to the bicycle in a prominent location. The label shall contain, in Arial font in at least 9-point type:
(1)a classification number for the bicycle that corresponds with a class under Section
1-140.10 of this Code;
(2)the bicycle's top assisted speed; and
(3)the bicycle's motor wattage.
No person shall knowingly tamper or modify the speed capability or engagement of a low-speed electric bicycle without replacing the label required under this subsection (c).
(d)A Class 2 low-speed electric bicycle shall operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the brakes are applied. A Class 1 low-speed electric bicycle and a Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle shall operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the rider stops pedaling.
(e)A person may operate a low-speed electric bicycle upon any highway, street, or roadway authorized for use by bicycles, including, but not limited to, bicycle lanes.
(f)A person may operate a low-speed electric bicycle upon any bicycle path unless the municipality, county, or local authority with jurisdiction prohibits the use of low-speed electric bicycles or a specific class of low-speed electric bicycles on that path.
(g)A person may not operate a low-speed electric bicycle on a sidewalk.
(h)A person may operate a Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle only if he or she is 16 years of age or older. A person who is less than 16 years of age may ride as a passenger on a Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle that is designed to accommodate passengers.