VoltSpoke
Menu
← All states & federal rules

E-Bike Laws · IL

Illinois

Verified from statute

3-class system

  • Yes — Class 1/2 to 20 mph, Class 3 pedal-assist to 28 mph; motor under 750 W. Class 3 needs a speedometer; class label required, and tampering without replacing the label is prohibited. [625 ILCS 5/11-1517]

Age limits

  • Class 3 operators must be 16+ (under 16 may ride as a passenger on a passenger-designed Class 3). [625 ILCS 5/11-1517]
  • P.A. 104-854 (SB 3484) adds: Class 1/2 operators must be 15+, and riders under 18 may only carry siblings/step-siblings/children as passengers. Takes effect January 1, 2027. It also makes e-bikes outside the 3 classes "motor driven cycles" (title, registration, insurance). [Public Act 104-0854 (Sec. 99: effective Jan 1, 2027)]

Helmets

Not verified yet — check official source: Illinois statutes (official)

Where you can ride

  • Allowed on any road open to bicycles, including bike lanes, and on bike paths unless the agency with jurisdiction bans them. Not allowed on sidewalks. [625 ILCS 5/11-1517]
  • Local governments (including home-rule cities like Chicago) may not regulate e-bikes except as the statute allows. [625 ILCS 5/11-1517]

License / registration / insurance

Not verified yet — check official source: Illinois DMV / motor vehicles (official)

Speed & equipment

  • Must meet 16 CFR 1512. Class 2 motor cuts out on braking; Class 1/3 when pedaling stops. [625 ILCS 5/11-1517]

Local city rules in Illinois

Cities not listed follow Illinois state law. We list only cities with their own e-bike rules, verified from official sources. General bicycle rules in a city's code (such as sidewalk riding) can still apply to e-bikes, so check your municipal code too.

Chicago

  • Illinois law bars local governments, including home-rule cities like Chicago, from regulating e-bikes except where the state statute allows (e.g. park, forest-preserve and transit districts on their paths). State rules apply: no sidewalks, Class 3 riders 16+. [625 ILCS 5/11-1517]
Back to city menu

Official sources

Last verified: Oct 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary — always confirm with the linked official source or local authorities.

Spot something outdated or wrong? Report an update (please include an official source link).