E-Transport in Downers Grove

Electronic means of transport such as e-bikes and e-scooters are popping up everywhere, offering fun, environmentally friendly ways to get around town.

In October 2025, the Village adopted an ordinance to regulate where these devices can be operated, ensuring rider and pedestrian safety and compliance with State law.

What to Know in Downers Grove

Use the menu below to navigate e-transport types/definitions and where they are allowed in the Village.

a chart graphic showing the types of devices and where users can ride in Downers Grove.

E-Transport | What to Know by Type

Low-Speed Electric Bike (e-bike)

Low Speed e-bikes are equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.

The State of Illinois defines three classes:

CLASS 1: The motor provides assistance only while pedaling and stops at 20 mph.

CLASS 2: The motor can power the bike on its own, but stops at 20 mph.

CLASS 3: The motor assists only while pedaling and stops at 28 mph. Class 3 riders must be at least 16 years old.

Label check!

Every e-bike must have a visible label showing its class number, top assisted speed, and motor power (in watts). Manufacturers include this label at purchase.

A device weighing less than 100 pounds, with 2 or 3 wheels, handlebars, and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding, that is powered by an electric motor and human power. Riders must be 18 years of age.

Low-Speed: Max speed of 10 mph

High-Speed: Max speed of 25 mph

Personal Mobility Device

These are defined as electric-powered or electric assisted devices such as:

Skateboard
Unicycle
Hover board
Self-balancing scooter
Roller blades
Hybrids

E-Transport | Where to Ride

Low-Speed e-bike

Allowed on streets and shared-use paths.

Not allowed on any sidewalks.

Electric Scooter (e-scooter)

Low-Speed

Allowed on sidewalks, streets and shared-use paths.
Not allowed on sidewalks in the Downtown Area.

High-Speed

Allowed on streets and shared-use paths.
Not allowed on sidewalks.

Personal Mobility Device

Motor-assisted skateboards, unicycles, and hoverboards are allowed on streets only.

Other Devices

Pocket bikes, mini bikes and other non-highway vehicles are NOT ALLOWED ANYWHERE in the Village.

For Parents and Guardians

Parents and legal guardians are responsible for ensuring their children know and understand the rules of the road.

Parents can be cited for allowing an unlicensed minor to drive and are also responsible for any violations, damages, or injuries.

Minors can be cited for:

No valid license
No Insurance
Operating a non-highway vehicle

Ride Smart, Ride Safe

Know and follow the Illinois Rules of the Road.
Stay to the right on streets and always yield to pedestrians.
Keep your eyes and ears open; skip the headphones.
Don’t overload yourself with bags or packages.
Use lights and reflectors at night.
Wear bright or reflective clothing.
No handheld cell phone use while riding.
One rider per device (unless designed for two).
Keep at least one hand on the handlebars.
Sit properly on the seat, facing forward, with one leg on each side.
When riding in groups, stay single-file.

Videos

Watch these short videos to learn who can ride each device and where.

E-Transport Videos

Quick Reference

E-motorcyles are not allowed anywhere in the Village.

View or print the quick-reference flyer for types of e-transport allowed in Downers Grove and where to ride them.

Red circle and slash over an e-motorcycle indicating they are not allowed

State of Illinois

The Illinois Secretary of State has a new public education website to serve as a central hub for micromobility safety, rules and policy updates.

Micromobility in Illinois

Active Transportation Plan

In April 2025, the Village adopted the Active Transportation Plan to guide future projects that make it easier and safer to walk, bike, and use other modes of transportation.

Active Transportation Plan