Record #: O2013-8435   
Type: Ordinance Status: Failed to Pass
Intro date: 11/13/2013 Current Controlling Legislative Body: Committee on Transportation and Public Way
Final action: 5/20/2015
Title: Amendment of Municipal Code Chapters 9-52 and 9-120 regarding regulation and operation of low-speed electric bicycles
Sponsors: Waguespack, Scott, Moreno, Proco Joe
Topic: MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS - Title 9 - Vehicles, Traffic & Rail Transportation - Ch. 52 Bicycles-Operation, MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS - Title 9 - Vehicles, Traffic & Rail Transportation - Ch. 120 Bicycles
Attachments: 1. O2013-8435.pdf
Related files: R2015-407
Committee on Transportation and Public Way _
 
ORDINANCE
 
 
WHEREAS, The City of Chicago has the legislative authority to promote sustainable transportation and an active citizenry through the express legalization of low-speed electric bicycles; and
 
WHEREAS, low-speed electric bicycles are a viable form of transportation and currently used by many residents of the city; and
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WHEREAS, there is currently no regulation or mention of low-speed electric bicycles in the City
Code; and
 
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois has passed similar legislation concerning the definition, use, and operation of low-speed electric bicycles; and
 
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois ascribes the same meaning to a low-speed electric bicycle as defined by Section 38 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 2085); NOW, THEREFORE,
 
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO:
 
SECTION 1.     The above recitals are expressively incorporated herein and made part hereof.
 
SECTION 2. Chapter 9-120 of the Municipal Code of the City of Chicago is hereby amended by adding a new section 9-120-090, as follows:
 
9-120-090 Low-speed electric bicycle definition
 
A "low-speed electric bicycle" is defined as a two-or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (one horsepower), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 mph.
 
SECTION 3.      Chapter 9-52 of the Municipal Code of the City of Chicago is hereby amended by adding a new section 9-52-120, as follows:
 
9-52-120   Low-speed electric bicycle operation
 
(a)   A person may operate a low-speed electric bicycle only if the person is at least 16 years of age.
 
 
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  1. No person shall operate a low-speed electric bicycle at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour upon any highway, street, or roadway.
  2. No person shall operate a low-speed electric bicycle on a sidewalk.
  3. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the provisions of this article that apply to bicycles also apply to low-speed electric bicycles.
 
SECTION 4.     This ordinance shall take effect upon its passage.
 
SCOTT VVA0UESPACK Alderman, 32nd Ward
 
PROCO JOE MORENO
Alderman, 1st Ward
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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