Whether using an e-scooter or an e-bike, following these safety tips can help prevent injuries and keep everyone safe on the road:

o Wear a helmet. Helmets are the most effective way to reduce the risk of head injury.

o Required safety features.  Riders must use headlights, taillights and reflectors when riding at night.

o Look both ways before riding through any kind of intersection. Stop and look both ways before crossing streets or driveways. Watch for turning vehicles and proceed carefully at crosswalks.

o Walk your wheels in crowded areas. To prevent collisions, dismount and walk your scooter or bike when around large groups of pedestrians.

o Avoid distractions. Do not use electronic devices, including earbuds, headphones or phones, while riding.

o Never ride under the influence. Operating a scooter or e-bike while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous and illegal.

o Ride solo. Only one person per scooter—no passengers.

o Be respectful of others. Use your bell/horn to alert pedestrians when passing, or slow down and walk your device when passing a pedestrian.

What is an e-scooter and motorized skateboard?

An e-scooter is defined as a low-speed machine powered by a motor that weighs less than 100 lbs. and has 2-4 wheels. The Village defines two levels of e-scooters:

• Low-Speed Electric Scooter and Low-Speed Motorized Skateboards: These devices have a maximum speed of 10 mph.
• Electric Scooter and Motorized Skateboards: These devices have a maximum speed greater than 10 mph.

Who can ride them?

Riders must be at least 18 years old and able to safely operator an E-Scooter and motorized skateboards (Over 10 mph)

There is no age restrictions for low-speed electric scooters and motorized skateboards (under 10 mph)

What are the rules for riding one?

E-scooter and motorized skateboard riders have the same rights and responsibilities as regular bicyclists under the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11, Art. XV Bicycles) and Plainfield Municipal Code. This includes yielding at stop signs and traffic signals, signaling before turning, riding in the same direction as traffic, and not riding more than two side by side. Wearing a helmet is required by the Village, for operators under the age of 18. 

Where can you ride?

E-Scooters (over 10 mph) are NOT allowed on sidewalks. During special events or road closures in the Plainfield Business District e-scooters are prohibited.

Low-speed e-scooters and motorized skateboards (under 10 mph) ARE only allowed on:

• Sidewalks
• Village-owned multi use paths & trails
• Private Property with permission from the property owner

E-scooters and motorized skateboards (over 10 mph) ARE generally allowed on:

• Roadways (30 mph & under)
• Bike Lanes
• Village-owned multi use paths & trails
• Private Property with permission from the property owner

Be sure to check the Plainfield Park District and the Will County Forest Preserve District for their specific rules about using e-scooters on their properties.

What is an e-bike?

An e-bike is a bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. There are three classes of e-bikes:

• Class 1: This bicycle provides assistance only while the rider is pedaling and ceases when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph.

• Class 2: This bicycle may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and ceases when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph.

• Class 3: This bicycle provides assistance only while the rider is pedaling and ceases when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 mph.

Devices exceeding 750 watts, that do not have operable pedals, or that go faster than 28 mph are NOT e-bikes and are not allowed on Plainfield’s public streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, and multi-use paths.

Who can ride them?

Riders must be at least 16 years old and able to safely operate a Class 3.

Riders must be at least 14 years old and able to safely operate a Class 1 or Class 2.

What are the rules for riding one?

E-bike riders have the same rights and responsibilities as regular bicyclists under the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11, Art. XV Bicycles) and Plainfield Municipal Code. This includes yielding at stop signs and traffic signals, signaling before turning, riding in the same direction as traffic, and not riding more than two side by side. Wearing a helmet is required by the Village, for operators under the age of 18. 

Where can you ride?

E-bikes are NOT allowed on sidewalks or in the Plainfield Business District for riders under 16 or during special events or road closures. In addition, Class 3 e-bikes cannot be ridden on village-owned multi-use paths.

Class 1 and 2 e-bikes ARE generally allowed on:

• Roadways (30 mph & under)
• Bike Lanes
• Village-owned multi use paths & trails
• Private Property with permission from the property owner
Class 3 e-bikes ARE generally allowed on:
• Any roadway
• Private Property with permission from the property owner

Be sure to check the Plainfield Park District and the Will County Forest Preserve District for their specific rules about using e-bikes on their properties.

If an electric personal mobility device does not fit one of the above definitions of an e-bike or e-scooter, it is likely prohibited on Plainfield’s public streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, and multi-use paths unless it is titled and registered as a motor vehicle and operated pursuant to state law.

This includes golf-carts, dirt bikes, minibikes, one-wheel skateboards, and go-karts, among others. This does not include devices used by a person as an accommodation for a disability.

Please read the ordinance for a full list of permitted and prohibited mobility devices.

Parents and caregivers are responsible for ensuring their child is following regulations, understands traffic safety, and is not operating a device that is not permitted on streets or sidewalks.

It is unlawful for a person to permit any minor child of which they are a parent or guardian to violate any regulations regarding bicycles, E-bikes, or low-speed E-scooters. The Plainfield Police Department can issue tickets to both riders and their parents/guardians. Additionally, the Plainfield Police Department shall have the authority to either impound the vehicle or immediately release the device directly to a parent or guardian.

Please call 9-1-1 to report unlawful operation of E-bikes or other devices to the Plainfield Police Department. All bicycle and E-bike riders must follow the rules of the road. Citations include a fine up to $500 and could require attending an adjudication hearing at Village Hall.  Violators of this ordinance may be subject to tow and impoundment.

Certain infractions may result in a citation for a violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Convictions for these violations are reported to the Illinois Secretary of State and may affect a person's driver's license status and /or insurance rates.