US News
New Illinois law sets statewide regulations for e-bikes and electric scooters
Starting Jan. 1, Illinois will enforce age limits, speed caps, and registration requirements for micromobility devices.
The short version
- Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 3484, establishing statewide rules for e-bikes, electric scooters, unicycles, and skateboards starting Jan. 1.
- The law introduces age limits, caps scooter speeds, and mandates that high-speed e-bikes exceeding 28 mph meet motorcycle-style licensing, insurance, title, and registration requirements.
- Low-speed e-scooter age requirements will drop from 18 to 16, while high-speed e-scooters will be capped at 28 mph and restricted to specific roads and lanes.
- Violators face fines, device impoundment, and standard traffic penalties as the state prepares a public awareness campaign ahead of enforcement.
Key facts
- Gov. JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 3484 into law on Wednesday, with regulations taking effect on Jan. 1.[Associated Press]
- E-bikes capable of exceeding 28 mph will require a driver's license, state registration, insurance, and an ownership title, and must be ridden on roads.[Associated Press]
- Riders must be at least 15 years old to operate Class 1 e-bikes up to 20 mph and 16 years old for e-bikes reaching up to 28 mph.[Associated Press]
- High-speed e-scooters will be limited to 28 mph and restricted to paths, bike lanes, or roads with speed limits up to 35 mph, with a minimum age requirement of 16.[Associated Press]
- The law lowers the minimum age for operating low-speed e-scooters from 18 to 16 years old.[Associated Press]
- Penalties for noncompliance include fines, device confiscation and impoundment, and standard traffic violations.[Associated Press]