December 9, 2025

What Naperville Parents Must Know About the New E-Bike Crackdown

Naperville has passed sweeping new regulations that change how electric bicycles and scooters can be used within city limits—and parents are now directly on the hook when their children break the rules. The ordinance, approved unanimously by the City Council, introduces age limits, parent fines up to $500, impoundment, and stricter path restrictions for e-bikes.

Below is a breakdown of what every Naperville parent needs to know right now.

Key Takeaways (Read This First)

• No one under age 16 may ride ANY e-bike in Naperville—including Class 1, 2, and 3.
• Parents can be fined $100–$500 if their child violates the new rules.
• Each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense.
• Police may impound e-bikes or e-scooters.
• Class 3 e-bikes are banned from multiuse paths in Naperville.
• Class 1 and 2 e-bikes may use trails but must stay under 15 mph.
• **New rules mirror restrictions already used by DuPage & Will County forest preserves.**

Why Naperville Passed the New E-Bike Restrictions

Local officials cited a growing number of crashes—particularly involving young, inexperienced riders—and the increasing inconsistency between municipalities’ e-bike rules.

Officials also pointed to fatalities across the Chicago metro area, especially among children riding high-speed Class 3 e-bikes. The new ordinance aims to prevent similar tragedies in Naperville.

The New Rules, Explained Simply

1. Age Limits

Under Illinois law, riders must be 16 to operate Class 3 e-bikes.
Naperville now extends that rule to all e-bike classes:

• Class 1 (pedal assist, up to 20 mph): Age 16+
• Class 2 (throttle & pedal assist, up to 20 mph): Age 16+
• Class 3 (pedal assist, up to 28 mph): Age 16+

No exceptions.

2. Parent Liability

If a child under 16 is caught riding an e-bike or e-scooter:

• The parent or guardian faces a $100–$500 fine
• Each day the violation continues = new offense
• Police may impound the e-bike or scooter

Parents are legally expected to prevent minors from operating these vehicles.

3. Multiuse Path Restrictions

• Class 3 e-bikes: Banned
• Class 1 and 2: Allowed but must stay under 15 mph

This rule aligns Naperville with:

• DuPage Forest Preserve District
• Will County Forest Preserve District
• Naperville Park District

All already prohibited Class 3 bikes on trails.

4. E-Scooter Rules

State law:

• Minimum age: 18
• Max speed: 10 mph
• Cannot be ridden on roads 35 mph or higher

Naperville adds:

• Max 15 mph on multiuse paths
• May use bike lanes and some roadways

5. Other Motorized Devices

The ordinance prohibits use of:

• Dirt bikes
• Motor-driven cycles
• Minibikes
• Pocket bikes

Unless titled, registered, and used in accordance with state motor vehicle laws.

Community Response & Ongoing Debate

While most residents support increased safety, some believe the Class 3 trail ban lacks logic—pointing out that many non-electric bikes can reach the same speeds.

City officials acknowledge the concerns but emphasize consistency across jurisdictions and the growing regional trend of restricting high-speed e-bike usage.

What This Means for Naperville Families

If your child owns or rides an e-bike or e-scooter:

• Reassess whether they can legally operate it.
• Review the new rules to avoid fines or impoundment.
• Consider whether a traditional bike may be a safer option for younger riders.

For families, the biggest change is clear:
Parents—not the kids—now bear financial responsibility.

Need Help With a Naperville Traffic or E-Bike Citation?

As an attorney handling cases in DuPage County, including Naperville, Attorney Cynthia Pietrucha assist families navigating e-bike and scooter regulations, citations, impound issues, and related ordinance violations.

If you or your child received a ticket or warning, contact me to discuss legal representation at a flat-fee.