Evanston will offer up to two hours of free street parking per day during the holiday shopping season.
The city's "Holiday Parking: Free for 2026" promotion runs from Wednesday, Nov. 25, through Jan. 1, 2027. Shoppers and visitors in Evanston's business districts can enter the code Evanston2026 in the Park Evanston app to receive up to two hours of free street parking once per day per account.
The city is covering both the parking cost and the app's transaction fees, so users pay nothing for qualifying sessions. The code covers one session per day, capped at $4.47 in value. Once a session starts, the code cannot be reused until the next day, and unused time does not carry over.
The deal is app-only. Drivers who pay at a pay box will still be charged.
New e-bike and e-scooter rules
Separately, a new Illinois law will change the rules for electric bikes, scooters and similar devices starting Jan. 1, 2027. The governor approved Senate Bill 3484 on Aug. 26, according to Illinois General Assembly records. State Sen. Ram Villivalam filed the bill.
Here is what riders need to know:
Low-speed e-bikes (Class 1, 2 and 3): No driver's license, registration or insurance is required. Riders must be at least 15 for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, which top out at 20 mph, and at least 16 for Class 3 e-bikes, which reach up to 28 mph. Riders under 18 may carry only a sibling, stepsibling, child or stepchild as a passenger, according to the city's micromobility page. Low-speed e-bikes are allowed on streets, bike lanes and bike paths but not sidewalks.
High-speed e-bikes and e-motos: Devices with motors of 750 watts or more that can exceed 28 mph are classified as motor-driven cycles. Riders must hold a valid driver's license, and the vehicles must be titled, registered and insured. They are banned from sidewalks, bike lanes and bike paths. Devices purchased before Jan. 1, 2027, may be exempt from new titling requirements, but they still must meet state title, registration and insurance rules if operated on public roads.
E-scooters, e-skateboards and e-unicycles: Riders must be at least 16. These devices can operate on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less, bike lanes and bike paths. They are prohibited on sidewalks and roads with speed limits above 35 mph unless a bike lane is present. Riders may not exceed 28 mph, and devices must have working brakes. A white front light and a red rear reflector or rear light are required at night.
Evanston reviewing local rules
City staff is examining Evanston's current regulations to determine how they align with the new state law, according to the city's micromobility page. The city may consider code amendments, and any proposed changes would go through the regular public process.
Residents with questions about the parking promotion can call or text 847-448-4311 or dial 3-1-1 within Evanston.
