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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No person shall operate a low-speed electric bicycle at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour upon any highway, street, or roadway.
No person shall operate a low-speed electric bicycle on a sidewalk.
Except as ...
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