Illinois Unveils Statewide E-Bike Safety Initiative

New campaign aims to modernize laws and protect riders, drivers and pedestrians amid rise of high-speed electric vehicles

Feb. 1, 2026 at 8:47am

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Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced a comprehensive, statewide initiative to address the dangerous rise of high-speed e-bikes and other powerful electric transportation devices on Illinois streets and sidewalks. The 'Ride Safe, Ride Smart, Ride Ready' campaign combines public education, updated driver training, and a push for modernized safety laws to keep pace with the fast-evolving micromobility industry.

Why it matters

E-bike injuries have surged 293% nationwide from 2019 to 2022, with some devices now capable of traveling over 50 mph - far beyond what existing state law contemplated. Tragic incidents, including the deaths of a Mount Prospect teen and an Illinois State University official, have highlighted the need for updated regulations to protect pedestrians, riders and drivers.

The details

The initiative will raise awareness of current rules governing e-bikes, scooters, skateboards and unicycles, while laying the groundwork for updated regulations to be introduced this legislative session. Key components include a new public education website, expanded driver education curriculum, and collaboration with lawmakers, local officials, medical experts, law enforcement, and cycling and safety advocates statewide.

  • In the fall of 2022, an Illinois State University official died after being struck by an e-bike rider in Bloomington-Normal.
  • Last fall, a Mount Prospect teen was killed when the e-bike he was riding collided with a pickup truck.

The players

Alexi Giannoulias

Illinois Secretary of State who is leading the statewide e-bike safety initiative.

Kristine Cieslak

Section Chief of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Lurie Children's at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital and Co-Director of Advocacy for Emergency Medicine at Lurie Children's Hospital.

Dave Simmons

Executive Director of Ride Illinois, an advocacy group that has been pushing for clear distinctions in state law between safe, legal, low-speed e-bikes and faster e-motos.

Jennifer Brown

President of the Illinois High School and College Driver Education Association, which is partnering with the Secretary of State's office on the initiative.

Joe Leonas

President of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and Chief of Police for the Village of Lincolnshire.

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What they’re saying

“As a physician in the pediatric emergency department, I see all too often youth who suffer from serious injuries due to new emerging modes of transportation like e-scooters and e-bikes. We applaud Secretary of State Giannoulias' plans to introduce legislation to create safety regulations for e-scooters and e-bikes to prevent injuries and promote transportation safety.”

— Kristine Cieslak, Section Chief, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Lurie Children's at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, Co-Director of Advocacy, Emergency Medicine, Lurie Children's Hospital

“For much of the past year, Ride Illinois has advocated for a clear distinction in state law between safe, legal, low-speed e-bikes, and e-motos – much faster vehicles that often look like e-bikes. Common-sense, balanced legislation—without adding strain on law enforcement—provides an effective and reasonable path forward. This approach will support communities of all sizes in Illinois as they curb unsafe use while responsibly welcoming new mobility modes.”

— Dave Simmons, Executive Director of Ride Illinois

“Keeping people safe starts with education and prevention, not just enforcement. These new guidelines will help officers work directly with communities, parents and riders to promote safe behavior, identify problems early and prevent serious crashes. By focusing on partnership and common-sense standards, we can build trust and make our streets safer for everyone.”

— Joe Leonas, President of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) & Chief of Police for the Village of Lincolnshire

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This initiative highlights the need to modernize laws and regulations to keep pace with the rapid evolution of micromobility technology, ensuring the safety of riders, drivers and pedestrians alike. By combining education, enforcement and collaborative policymaking, Illinois is taking a proactive approach to address the growing risks posed by high-speed electric vehicles on its streets and sidewalks.