Illinois

How the law defines it: Three-class system ("low-speed electric bicycle"): bicycle with working pedals and a motor under 750 W. Class 1 (pedal assist) and Class 2 (throttle) stop assisting at 20 mph; Class 3 (pedal assist) at 28 mph. Not a motor vehicle, moped or motor-driven cycle.

Helmet

Not addressed in statute.

Minimum age

Class 3: 16 (younger riders may be passengers). None for Class 1/2 until Jan. 1, 2027, when Class 1/2 riders must be 15 or older.

Speed limit or cap

Motor assist stops at 20 mph (Class 1/2) or 28 mph (Class 3).

Motor power cap

Under 750 W

License, registration, insurance

Not a motor vehicle; no license or registration.

Also worth knowing

Since Jan. 1, 2018 manufacturers must label class, top assisted speed and wattage; Class 3 needs a speedometer. From Jan. 1, 2027 (P.A. 104-854): e-bikes outside the class limits are treated as motor driven cycles; riders under 18 may carry only family members as passengers; local governments (including home-rule cities) may no longer regulate e-bikes except as the statute allows.

How the law defines it: "Low-speed electric scooter": under 100 lb, two or three wheels, handlebars, floorboard to stand on, electric and human power, top speed 10 mph or less. Not a moped or motor-driven cycle. (From Jan. 1, 2027 the cap rises to 15 mph, and faster "high-speed electric scooters" are also defined.)

Helmet

Not addressed in statute.

Minimum age

18

Speed limit or cap

10 mph (device limit).

Motor power cap

None in statute.

License, registration, insurance

Not addressed in statute.

Also worth knowing

Current § 11-1518 is repealed on Jan. 1, 2027. From Jan. 1, 2027 (P.A. 104-854): low- and high-speed scooters become "electric micromobility devices": allowed on streets, bike lanes and bike paths, but not on roads posted over 35 mph unless there is a bike lane, and never on interstates or sidewalks. Devices capable of and operating over 28 mph are barred from all public highways, bike lanes and paths. Minimum age 16; no registration; local regulation preempted except park/forest/conservation/transit districts on their paths.

Not addressed in statute. Not addressed in statute until Jan. 1, 2027. From then, "electric skateboard" (a skateboard powered by an electric motor) is an "electric micromobility device" (up to 28 mph), considered a motor vehicle for Code purposes but exempt from registration. We found no Illinois statute that covers this vehicle by name or by a definition that clearly fits it. That isn't permission: police and cities may treat it under another category. Enacted by P.A. 104-854 (SB 3484), effective Jan. 1, 2027. Front light and rear reflector required at night; no passengers unless designed for them.

Not addressed in statute. Not addressed in statute until Jan. 1, 2027. From then, "electric unicycle" (self-balancing one-wheeled device for one rider) is an "electric micromobility device" (up to 28 mph), considered a motor vehicle for Code purposes but exempt from registration. We found no Illinois statute that covers this vehicle by name or by a definition that clearly fits it. That isn't permission: police and cities may treat it under another category. Enacted by P.A. 104-854 (SB 3484), effective Jan. 1, 2027. Front light and rear reflector required at night; no passengers unless designed for them. Bicycle rules in Article XV also apply to electric unicycles where practicable.