2027 E- Bike Laws

Illinois E-Bike Laws: Community Overview

Illinois E-Bike Laws & Classifications (625 ILCS 5)

Illinois law defines and regulates e-bikes under:

625 ILCS 5/1-140.10 – Definition and classification of low-speed electric bicycles
625 ILCS 5/11-1517 – Operating rules for low-speed electric bicycles

Illinois recognizes e-bikes (low-speed electric bicycles) as bicycles when they meet the state's definition:

Equipped with fully operable pedals
Electric motor of 750 watts or less
Falls within one of the state's three e-bike classifications

Because qualifying e-bikes are treated similarly to traditional bicycles, riders do not need a driver's license, vehicle registration, or insurance to operate them (current law). Riders must obey the same traffic laws that apply to conventional bicycles

Illinois' 3-Class E-Bike System

(625 ILCS 5/1-140.10)

Class 1 E-Bike

Pedal-assist only
Motor assists only while pedaling
Motor assistance stops at 20 mph

Class 2 E-Bike

Equipped with a throttle
Motor can propel the bike without pedaling
Motor assistance stops at 20 mph
Motor must disengage when brakes are applied

Class 3 E-Bike

Pedal-assist only
Motor assists only while pedaling
Motor assistance stops at 28 mph
Must be equipped with a speedometer
Rider must be 16 years or older to operate

· Where E-Bikes Can Be Ridden

· (625 ILCS 5/11-1517(e)-(g))

· Permitted

· ✅ Streets and roadways where bicycles are allowed

· ✅ Bike lanes

· ✅ Bike paths and multi-use trails, unless a municipality, county, park district, or local authority specifically prohibits e-bikes or certain classes of e-bikes

· Prohibited

· ❌ Sidewalks statewide

· Illinois statute specifically states:

· "A person may not operate a low-speed electric bicycle on a sidewalk." (625 ILCS 5/11-1517(g))

Age Requirements

(625 ILCS 5/11-1517(h))

Class 1: No statewide minimum age
Class 2: No statewide minimum age
Class 3: Must be 16 years of age or older

Riders under 16 may ride as a passenger on a Class 3 e-bike designed to carry passengers.

Equipment Requirements

(625 ILCS 5/11-1517(b)-(d))

Required:

Compliance with federal bicycle safety standards (16 CFR 1512)
Permanent manufacturer label showing:

E-bike class
Top assisted speed
Motor wattage

Class 3 e-bikes must have a speedometer

Night Riding:

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-1507, bicycles and e-bikes operated after dark must have:

A white front light visible from at least 500 feet
A rear red reflector or red light visible from at least 500 feet

Proposed Illinois E-Bike Law Changes (Effective January 1, 2027)

Illinois has approved legislation creating statewide micromobility regulations that will take effect on January 1, 2027. The goal is to establish consistent statewide rules for e-bikes, e-scooters, e-motos, and other electric vehicles.

What Stays the Same

Class 1: Pedal assist only, up to 20 mph
Class 2: Throttle-assisted, up to 20 mph
Class 3: Pedal assist only, up to 28 mph, speedometer required

E-bikes that meet the Illinois definition (operable pedals and motor under 750 watts) continue to be treated as bicycles.

New Age Requirements

Beginning January 1, 2027:

E-Bike Class	Current Law	Proposed 2027 Law
Class 1	No statewide minimum age	15 years old minimum
Class 2	No statewide minimum age	15 years old minimum
Class 3	16 years old minimum	No change – remains 16 years old minimum

Passenger Restrictions

Under the new law, operators under 18 years old generally may not carry passengers unless the passenger is an immediate family member (such as a sibling, child, stepchild, or stepsibling).

High-Powered E-Bikes and E-Motos

The biggest change affects electric bikes that fall outside Illinois' three-class e-bike system.

Vehicles that:

Have motors exceeding 750 watts, or
Are capable of speeds greater than 28 mph

would be regulated as motor-driven cycles rather than bicycles. These vehicles would require:

Driver's license
Vehicle registration
Title
Liability insurance

They would also be prohibited from operating on bike paths, trails, bike lanes, and sidewalks.