Palatine, IL Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)

Article IX of the Palatine Village Code (Sec. 28-184 through 28-188), added by Ordinance No. O-62-25 and amended September 15, 2025 by Ordinance No. O-93-25, groups low-speed electric bicycles with electric scooters and other 'untitled motor driven vehicles,' meaning devices for which Illinois does not issue a title, plate or registration, including those operated by pedals with a chain and or throttle assist. Sec. 28-184 adopts the state's three-tier classification: a low-speed electric bicycle has fully operable pedals and a motor under 750 watts, sorted into Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 under Section 1-140.10 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, while a low-speed electric scooter is capped at 100 pounds and ten miles per hour.

Sec. 28-185 bars operation of any covered vehicle on a state highway, county highway, or public property other than a village street, and riders under 18 must hold a valid driver's license or permit to use a village street at all. Every rider needs a functioning white front lamp or reflector visible 500 feet, a rear red reflector or lamp, and working brakes; helmets are mandatory except for personal mobility device users and small children on toy vehicles. Riders may not exceed the posted speed limit, carry a passenger unless the toy vehicle is built for it, or carry a package that takes a hand off the handlebars.

Sec. 28-186 exempts government employees on duty, personal mobility devices used by people with disabilities, and toy vehicles ridden by children under eight on sidewalks or in a supervised crosswalk. Sec. 28-187 applies the article to all public property in the village.