E-scooters have taken Chicago by storm in recent years, creating new problems for pedestrians and drivers alike.
Now, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is tackling the issue head-on, launching a new campaign to increase E-scooter safety ahead of the peak summer riding season.
Here’s everything to know.
Stay in the bike lane, wear a helmet, and ride solo
E-scooter ridership has sharply increased across Chicago in recent years.
Data from CDOT estimates riders have taken nearly 1 million Lime and Divvy E-scooter trips in 2026 already, building on a ridership record of 7 million trips in 2025.
This increase in e-scooter popularity has presented new safety concerns across the city.
In order to combat these challenges, CDOT will debut new visual campaigns, infrastructure developments, and educational initiatives this summer.
Chicagoans will notice new e-scooter safety messaging across Chicago’s digital billboard network in the coming months.
Messages will encourage rides to ride only in bike lanes and stay off sidewalks, wear helmets, and avoid tandem riding.
CDOT is also currently investing in the following citywide infrastructure improvements:
- Expanding Chicago’s bikeway network
- More than 200 new Divvy stations planned citywide
- 6,000+ new bike racks installed since 2020
- Expansion of scooter parking corrals in high-demand areas
Additionally, CDOT’s SAFE Ambassador team will incorporate E-scooter safety into their outreach presentations in schools and community meetings.
“E-scooters are an increasingly popular way for Chicagoans to get around,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement, “and as ridership grows, so does our responsibility to make sure our streets remain safe and accessible for everyone.”
“We’re bringing together education, infrastructure, and accountability to support safer riding, reduce conflicts on sidewalks, and ensure shared mobility works for all Chicagoans.”
Click here to learn more about CDOT’s E-scooter safety campaign and other street safety resources.