Umair Gaines
Electric scooters are already in Chicago, with the city having seen over 3.8 million scooter trips from May 2022 to February 9, 2024. Chicago conducted scooter-sharing pilots in 2019 and 2020 to evaluate the viability of scooter-sharing services in the city, and established rules for scooter operations. Electric scooters are available for rent in Chicago through the Divvy bikeshare system, as well as through companies like Lime and Spin. These scooters can be ridden in most areas of Chicago, except in certain trails and parks that restrict motorized vehicles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric scooter availability | Available for rent through the Divvy bikeshare system, Lime, and Spin |
| Riding zones | Allowed in bike-friendly areas, including bike lanes, shared lanes, and bike paths. Not permitted on the Lakefront Trail, Riverwalk, or 606. |
| Riding on sidewalks | Generally not allowed, except for brief moments when starting or parking. |
| Speed limit | 15 mph |
| Safety | Wear a helmet, follow safety rules, and stay alert in traffic |
| Parking | Scooters must be locked to a fixed object like a bike rack, street sign, or light pole. Avoid blocking pathways, sidewalks, or ramps. |
| Cost | Varies by provider, ranging from $0.39 per minute for Lime to $0.49 per minute for Spin. Divvy costs $0.42 per minute, with deals and memberships offering lower rates. |
| Licensing | The City of Chicago established a new business license category for scooter-sharing services in 2021, with a two-year license period. |
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$179.98 $289
What You'll Learn
Electric scooter safety in Chicago
Electric scooters are a welcome addition to Chicago's transport network, with the city even offering its own shared scooter company. However, it is important to be aware of the rules and safety measures in place to ensure the safety of all road users.
Firstly, it is important to note that electric scooters are not permitted on sidewalks. This is a strict rule in Chicago, and even private scooter riders should avoid riding on sidewalks to avoid fines and accidents. Scooter riders must obey all rules of the street, including traffic lights, stop signs, and one-way streets. Riders should also be aware of bike lanes and primarily stick to these, shared lanes, and bike paths. Where bike lanes are not available, riders can use the streets, but should keep to the right side and maintain a safe distance from traffic. Some areas that allow bicycles may ban motorized vehicles, so always look out for signs.
There are also rules about where scooters can and cannot be parked. They must be parked upright, with both wheels on the ground, and in such a way that leaves a clear path of at least 5 feet for pedestrians to walk by. They cannot be parked along building facades or blocking fire hydrants, bus stops, loading zones, or building access points. Scooters must be locked to a fixed physical object to end a trip.
Riders should also be aware of the specifications of their scooters. For example, the maximum width for a scooter is 26 inches, and they should weigh under 100 pounds. The electric motor should not be able to exceed a speed of 15 mph.
Finally, there are some safety measures that riders should take. It is recommended to wear a helmet, and this is especially important when there is a risk of head injury. Riders should also wear appropriate clothing, such as running shoes, and avoid loose clothing that could get caught in the tires. It is illegal to operate any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, so riders should not drink and ride. It is also prohibited to carry a passenger or large items on an electric scooter in Chicago.
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Where to ride electric scooters in Chicago
Electric scooters are welcome in most areas of Chicago, with a few exceptions in trails and parks that restrict motorised vehicles. The best places to ride your electric scooter are in bike-friendly areas. You can ride anywhere bicycles are permitted, which means your primary zones will be on bike lanes, shared lanes, and bike paths. These lanes are clearly marked, making them the safest spots to ride.
Local authorities are installing concrete curbs as a standard barrier for all new protected bike lanes. These barriers clearly separate vehicle lanes from bike lanes, eliminating confusion about where cars should park and improving safety. If there’s no bike path available, you’re allowed to ride on Chicago streets; just stick to the right side and keep a safe distance from traffic.
Sidewalk riding in Chicago is prohibited for electric scooters, except for brief moments when parking or starting your ride. Even in these instances, pedestrians have the right of way, and you need to push your scooter rather than ride it.
The city has established rules for shared scooter operations, and specific zones where riding is permitted. These zones are the Service Areas, shaded in grey, which include the Equity Priority Areas (highlighted in blue) and the Central Business District (defined with black and dotted outlines). Exclusion Zones (marked in pink) are off-limits for any shared electric scooters.
Divvy has added scooters to its fleet, creating the first docked bike and scooter-sharing system in the country. Divvy scooters are well-maintained and come equipped with turn signals, a phone holder, and geofencing technology that automatically turns off the power on sidewalks and outside the permitted zone. They are mostly found in downtown Chicago, bounded by DuSable Lake Shore Drive to the east, Pershing Road to the south, Damen Avenue to the west, and Armitage Avenue to the north.
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Electric scooter rental services in Chicago
Electric scooters are available for rent in Chicago through the Divvy bikeshare system and companies like Lime and Spin, which have been awarded business licenses to operate in the city. Here's what you need to know about electric scooter rental services in Chicago:
Where to Ride
Electric scooters are permitted in most areas of Chicago, except for certain trails and parks that restrict motorized vehicles. You can ride your scooter anywhere bicycles are allowed, including bike lanes, shared lanes, and bike paths. These lanes are clearly marked and offer protection from vehicle lanes. If there's no bike path available, you can ride on Chicago streets, but stay on the right side and maintain a safe distance from traffic. Remember that some areas may ban motorized vehicles like scooters, so keep an eye out for signs.
Parking
When ending your trip, make sure to lock your scooter to a fixed physical object such as a bike rack, street sign, or light pole. Avoid locking scooters to private property, trees, or blocking pathways, sidewalks, or ramps. Divvy riders are encouraged to park their scooters in Divvy stations, and parking outside these stations incurs an additional fee.
Safety
Always prioritize safety when riding electric scooters. Wear a properly fitted helmet that complies with manufacturer instructions. Obey all rules of the street, including traffic lights, stop signs, and one-way streets. Sidewalk riding is generally not allowed in Chicago, and scooters are equipped with technology to warn, slow down, or stop if sidewalk riding is detected.
Rental Process
To rent an electric scooter in Chicago, you can use the respective company's app or website. For example, with Lime scooters, you need to download the Lime app, create an account, locate a nearby scooter using the in-app map, and scan the vehicle's QR code to unlock it. Divvy scooters can be unlocked using a key fob at Divvy stations, and they also provide a phone holder for convenience.
Cost
The cost of renting an electric scooter in Chicago may vary depending on the company and your usage. For example, Lime scooters have interchangeable swappable batteries, and the price of rides varies per city. Divvy offers free parking at their stations for members, while non-members may have to pay a fee. Additionally, parking violations can result in a fine.
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Electric scooter parking in Chicago
Electric scooters have been available in Chicago since 2019, when the city launched a pilot program to integrate them into its transportation ecosystem. Since then, Chicago has developed a well-structured scooter-sharing scheme, with over 420 miles of protected bike lanes and trails.
When it comes to parking your electric scooter in Chicago, there are a few rules you need to follow. Firstly, scooters must be locked to a fixed physical object such as a bike rack, street sign, or light pole when ending a trip. Most scooters come with built-in locks for this purpose. It is important to note that scooters cannot be locked to private fences, bus shelters, bus stop signs, or disabled parking signs. Divvy riders, for example, are encouraged to park their scooters in Divvy stations.
Scooters must be parked in the public right-of-way unless a specific parking arrangement has been made on private property. Additionally, sidewalk riding is generally prohibited in Chicago, except for brief moments when parking or starting your ride. Even in these instances, pedestrians have the right of way, and you should push your scooter rather than ride it.
To ensure a smooth parking process, always use designated scooter parking areas, such as Divvy docking stations, bike racks, or the furniture zone of the sidewalk. Make sure your scooter is parked upright to avoid creating a tripping hazard and ensure you are not blocking traffic on the sidewalk or roadway. If you own a scooter and want to avoid parking hassles, consider purchasing a scooter bag to carry it with you when entering different premises.
It is important to be aware of the specific zones where scooter riding and parking are permitted in Chicago. While electric scooters are welcome in most areas, certain trails and parks restrict motorized vehicles. Always stay alert for signs indicating any restrictions and follow the rules to avoid fines and accidents.
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Electric scooter speed limits in Chicago
Electric scooters have been available in Chicago since at least 2019, when the city launched a pilot program. Since then, electric scooters have become a popular mode of transportation in the city, with over 3.8 million scooter trips recorded from May 2022 to February 9, 2024.
When it comes to speed limits, there doesn't seem to be any specific information on speed restrictions for electric scooters in Chicago. However, it's important to note that electric scooters are subject to the same traffic laws and restrictions as bicycles and mopeds in the city. This means that electric scooter riders must obey all signs, signals, and traffic laws, just like bicycle riders.
In terms of where you can ride electric scooters, Chicago allows them in most areas, except for some trails and parks that restrict motorized vehicles. Electric scooters can be ridden in bike-friendly areas, including bike lanes, shared lanes, and bike paths. These lanes are clearly marked and separated from vehicle lanes by concrete curbs, providing a safer riding experience. If there is no bike path available, riders are allowed to use the streets, but they should stick to the right side and maintain a safe distance from traffic.
It's worth noting that electric scooters are not permitted on sidewalks in Chicago, except for brief moments when starting or ending a ride. Even in these instances, pedestrians have the right of way, and riders should push their scooters instead of riding them. The city has strict rules regarding sidewalk riding, and violating these rules can result in fines and accidents. Additionally, some areas that allow bicycles may ban motorized vehicles like scooters, so it's important to stay alert for signage.
To promote safety and convenience, most shared scooter apps provide an updated list of areas where their electric scooters are not permitted. These apps also utilize geofencing technology, which alerts or prevents riders from entering exclusion zones. This technology can even slow down or stop the scooter if it detects sidewalk riding.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, electric scooters are permitted in Chicago. They were introduced in 2019 and 2020 as part of a pilot scheme.
You can ride electric scooters on the roads, in bike lanes, shared lanes, and on bike paths. Electric scooters are not allowed on the Lakefront Trail, the Riverwalk or the 606.
You must be 16 or older to ride an electric scooter in Chicago. You cannot ride on the sidewalk, and pedestrians always have the right of way. You must wear a helmet, and you cannot exceed a speed of 15 mph.
