In this episode, Ancel Glink's Tyler Smith and Eugene Bolotnikov discuss options for local governments to navigate the current regulatory landscape of e-bikes and e-scooters. The discussion aims to help communities address concerns regarding public safety while providing some clarity to the owners and operators of these vehicles. Tyler and Eugene recently presented on this topic at the 2025 APA-IL State Conference, delving into the regulatory options available to communities in Illinois.

Special Segment: Public Comment Live from the APA-IL Conference

• The episode includes a public comment segment featuring a live question and answer session focused on e-bike and e-scooter regulations, recorded live at the 2025 APA-IL State Conference.
• Participants ask questions about communities shifting regulation away from state-defined classes (such as regulating by wattage instead), the inconsistency of regulations between neighboring communities, and the overlapping jurisdiction of municipalities and park districts.
• The presenters note that there has been a significant rise in regulatory attention in Illinois, especially in Cook County suburbs, following high-profile, fatal collisions involving e-bikes and vehicles.

Department of Public Works

Ancel Glink attorneys will be presenting at several upcoming events:

• Ancel Glink equity partner Julie Tappendorf will be presenting on the First Amendment in public forum spaces at the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education's Local Government Law Institute conference on December 5th, 2025.
• Many Ancel Glink attorneys, including Eugene Bolotnikov, will have sessions at the IAPD/IPRA 2026 Soaring to New Heights Conference, which runs from January 25th, 2026 to January 27, 2026.

Contact Us

How are e-bikes and e-scooters affecting your community? Email us at podcast@ancelglink.com or call the Quorum Forum hotline at 312-604-9185.

Credits

• Chair: Tyler J. Smith
• Guest: Eugene Bolotnikov
• Producer: Daniel J. Bolin
• Executive Producers: Keri-Lyn Krafthefer, Julie Tappendorf
• Engineers: Ricardo Perez

This podcast is provided as a service to public and private sector clients and friends. It is intended to offer timely general information of interest but should not be considered a substitute for legal advice. The full disclaimer can be reviewed at www.ancelglink.com/disclaimers.