Illinois Electric Bike Laws

Three-class law · State parks: Where bicycles allowed

Illinois adopted the three-class system for low-speed electric bicycles (under 750 watts) in Public Act 99-0885, effective 2017 (625 ILCS 5/11-1517). Riders must currently be 16 or older. Senate Bill 3484 (Public Act 104-0854), effective January 1, 2027, lowers the age to 15 for Class 1 and 2, keeps 16 for Class 3, bars e-bikes from sidewalks, and treats electric bikes of 750 to 8,000 watts as motor-driven cycles that need a license, title, registration and insurance.

E-bike classes
Three
E-bike license
No
Class 3 minimum age
16
E-bike helmet
No state rule
State parks
Where bicycles allowed
Moped registration
Yes

By vehicle

Rules for E-Bikes, Stand-Up E-Scooters and Mopeds in Illinois

Illinois rules by vehicle
VehicleDefinitionMinimum ageLicenseRegistrationInsuranceHelmetSidewalksTrails
E-bike, Class 1 and 2Class 1, 2; under 750 W16 (15 from 2027)NoNoNoNo state ruleLocal rules (no from 2027)Bike paths, unless local ban
E-bike, Class 3Class 3; under 750 W16NoNoNoNo state ruleLocal rules (no from 2027)Bike paths, unless local ban
High-speed e-bikeElectric motor-driven cycle: 750-8,000 W (from Jan 1, 2027)16 (permit)YesYes, with titleYesNo state ruleNoNo
Stand-up e-scooterLow-speed electric scooter: under 100 lb18 (16 from 2027)NoNoNoNo state ruleOnly if local authority allows (no from 2027)Only if local authority allows
Seated e-scooter (moped)Motor driven cycle: under 150 cc16YesYesYesNo state ruleNoNo

Where to ride

Where Each Vehicle May Ride

  • E-bike, Class 1 and 2. Roads and bike lanes
  • E-bike, Class 3. Speedometer required; under 16 as passenger only
  • High-speed e-bike. Roads only; must meet federal vehicle standards and have VIN
  • Stand-up e-scooter. Roads 35 mph or less; from 2027 statewide rules, bike lanes and paths
  • Seated e-scooter (moped). Roads only

Equipment

Equipment Rules for E-Bikes

Must meet federal bicycle standards (16 CFR 1512); label showing class, top assisted speed and wattage, replaced if speed is altered; motor cutoff when pedaling stops (Class 1 and 3) or brakes are applied (Class 2); speedometer on Class 3.

City rules

What Cities and Counties Can Change

Under current law, local authorities may regulate e-bikes and bar them from bike paths, and low-speed e-scooters may be used only where a municipality, park district or forest preserve district authorizes them. From January 1, 2027, Public Act 104-0854 preempts most local e-bike and micromobility rules, while park, forest preserve, conservation and transit districts keep control of their own paths.

Parks and trails

State Parks, Federal Lands and Rail Trails in Illinois

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources treats low-speed electric bicycles like bicycles on its sites: riding is allowed on roads, parking lots and posted bicycle trails (17 Ill. Adm. Code 110), with a 20 mph trail limit unless posted. Public Act 104-0854 lets IDNR adopt rules restricting micromobility devices on its property.

Record

Sources

E-bike, Class 1 and 2
625 ILCS 5/11-1517; PA 99-0885; PA 104-0854
E-bike, Class 3
625 ILCS 5/11-1517; PA 104-0854
High-speed e-bike
625 ILCS 5/1-145.001; 11-1403.4; PA 104-0854
Stand-up e-scooter
625 ILCS 5/11-1518; PA 103-899; PA 104-0854 (11-1435)
Seated e-scooter (moped)
625 ILCS 5/1-145.001; 11-1403.4
Status
Verified
Last verified
Q4 2026