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New rules surrounding e-bike riding in Illinois that were signed into law this week could lead to a slew of consequences for teens and even their parents.
Gov. JB Pritzker established stricter rules and regulations surrounding ownership and use of motorized bikes, or “micromobility” transportation devices, in Illinois with the signing of Senate Bill 3484 on Wednesday. The law takes effect at the start of 2027 and outlines speed limits, age requirements and rules on where they can be ridden and what is required to ride.
Parents should be mindful of what they buy for their kids and allow them to ride as state law states “the parent of any child and the guardian of any ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit any such child or ward to violate any of the provisions of this Code.”
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias launched the Ride Safe, Ride Smart, Ride Ready campaign earlier this year that includes an e-bike buying guide for parents and warned that some e-bikes are actually much faster than people realize.
“Let’s be honest, a lot of what’s being sold online today aren’t really bicycles, they’re essentially electric motorcycles being marketed like toys,” he said.
Though not specifically outlined in the new legislation, some local municipalities, including Leyden Township in Cook County, warn that consequences for breaking the laws can include delays in a teen’s ability to get a license and tickets and fines issued to the teen or even their parents.
“Illegal street takeovers, blocking traffic or operating vehicles and devices in unsafe ways can lead to tickets, fines, impoundment and even arrest. Parents should also be aware that when minors are involved in unsafe or illegal riding of non-highway vehicles, the consequences can also affect them. This may include tickets issued to the parent or teen, delays in the teen’s ability to get a driver’s license until age 21 and responsibility for paying damages, fines and court costs,” the Leyden Township website says.
Law enforcement can confiscate and impound any motorized devices that are found to be in or are being operated in violation of Illinois law or local municipal code.
Here’s a look at the different tiers of e-bikes, e-scooters and other motorized vehicles and the rules surrounding their use as parsed out in the new and existing legislation:
Low-speed e-bike: A bicycle with fully operable pedals and electric motor less than 750 watts. There are three classes of low-speed e-bike; class one pedal-assist e-bike that operates up to 20 mph with a motor that only works when you pedal, a class two throttle-assist e-bike that operates up to 20 mph with a motor that powers the bike without pedaling, class three pedal-assist e-bike that operates up to 28 mph with a motor that only works when you pedal. High-speed e-bike: A pedal bicycle with an electric motor of 750 watts or more that can travel faster than 28 mph. E-moto: An electric motor bike (no pedaling required) with a motor of 750 watts or more that can travel faster than 28 mph. Low-speed e-scooter: A device with two or three wheels, handlebars, and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding that is powered by both an electric motor and the rider. High-speed e-scooter: A device with two or three wheels, handlebars, and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding that is powered by an electric motor and the rider and can reach speeds over 20 mph. E-skateboard: A skateboard powered by an electric motor that can travel between 15 to 40 mph. E-unicycle: A one-wheeled device that is self-balancing and uses an electric propulsion system.Rules for low-speed e-bikes
Prohibited on sidewalks or on a bicycle path that is specifically prohibited by a state agency Class 1 and 2 operators must be at least 15 years old Class 3 operators must be at least 16 years old to ride and must be 18 years old ride with a passenger unless they are a sibling, stepsibling, child, or stepchild of the operator. If riding with a passenger, the bike must be designed to carry more than one rider.Rules for high-speed e-bikes
Regulated as a motor-driven cycle, requiring a valid driver’s license, title, registration, and insurance Prohibited on sidewalks, bike lanes, and bike pathsRules for e-scooters (both high-speed and low-speed) and other electric micromobility devices like e-skateboards and e-unicycles
Cannot be ridden on a sidewalk, E-scooters cannot be operated at speeds higher than 28 mph Riders must be at least 16 years old Only allowed on roads with speed limits over 35 mph if there is a bike laneRules for e-motos
Regulated as a motor-driven cycle, requiring a valid driver’s license, title, registration, and insurance Prohibited on sidewalks, bike lanes, and bike paths.The legislation follows several serious and deadly e-bike and e-scooter crashes — many involving teenagers — in the Chicago area and across the country.
“Technology is evolving, providing expanded mobility options for our neighbors through the rise in popularity of e-bikes and scooters,” said Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), who spearheaded the bill. “But without clear regulations for these devices, we are seeing increased injuries.”
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