New E-Bike Law In IL: What New Rules Mean For E-Bikes, Scooters

Illinois is set to roll out its first comprehensive statewide safety standards for high-speed e-bikes, e-motos and other electric micromobility devices after Gov. JB Pritzker signed new legislation, announced Thursday by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.

The measure, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, creates uniform statewide standards for high-speed micromobility devices and replaces a "patchwork of local ordinances." It also closes regulatory gaps that had left some of the fastest devices largely unregulated.

“As these high-powered devices become faster and more common on our streets and sidewalks, the stakes are simply too high to leave them unregulated and outpacing public safety,” Giannoulias said. “This law brings accountability and common-sense safety standards to our roads while helping prevent serious injuries and ensuring riders, parents and communities understand how to safely share the road.”

Before the law, Illinois had no statewide regulations for micromobility devices capable of exceeding 28 miles per hour, even as some devices reached speeds of more than 70 miles per hour. Micromobility-related injuries and fatalities nationwide increased 300 percent between 2019 and 2022, Giannoulias said.

Illinois will keep its existing three-class e-bike structure for pedal bicycles with electric motors up to 750 watts that travel between 20 and 28 mph. Under the new law, riders of e-bikes and e-motos capable of traveling over 28 mph will be required to have a driver’s license, title, registration and insurance.

The law also prohibits e-bikes and devices such as e-scooters, electric skateboards and electric unicycles from operating on sidewalks. It bars those devices from operating over 28 mph on roads, bike lanes and bike paths, and it sets minimum rider ages of 15 for Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes and 16 for Class 3 e-bikes and other covered devices.

“Parents and young riders deserve to know what they are operating and what responsibilities come with it,” Hernandez said. “This law provides that clarity while establishing commonsense standards designed to prevent dangerous situations. I’m proud to have worked with Secretary Giannoulias and my colleagues to make Illinois roads safer for everyone.”

The Secretary of State’s office said its Ride Safe, Ride Smart, Ride Ready campaign will prepare residents for the law through public awareness efforts, updated driver education materials, law enforcement guidance and partnerships with schools and municipalities.