With the warm weather finally here, these beautiful days will start to attract more electric bikes and scooters to the streets and sidewalks of the community. Despite what some may think, there are actual laws and regulations when it comes to the usage of micro-mobility vehicles such as scooters,
e-bikes, gas powered bicycles, and other mobility devices such as hoverboards or electric skateboards.
As the community starts to break out the electric bicycles, scooters and even electric dirt bikes onto local streets, officials and riders are being reminded that these popular micro-mobility devices are subject to specific Illinois laws and restrictions.
Pedal bicycles equipped with an electric motor, also known as E-Bikes, are generally treated like traditional bicycles, but they are not permitted on sidewalks.
Models that top out under 20 mph carry no age restriction, while those capable of 20–28 mph require riders to be at least 16 years old.
Gas-powered bicycles are similarly classified and also banned from sidewalks and they are limited to a maximum speed of 20 mph. Gas powered bicycles may only be operated by riders aged 16 and older.
Electric scooters, whether stand-up or seated, face tighter limits. Unlike the higher speed cap on E-Bikes and gas powered bicycles, the top speed for electric scooters is capped at 10 mph, they are allowed only on roads with posted speed limits under 35 mph, and riders must be 18 or older to operate them on public streets.
Other motorized devices, including hoverboards, electric skateboards, electric dirt bikes or ATVs, and scooters ridden by those under 18, are restricted to private property and may not be used on public roadways.
Riders are urged to check local ordinances and the Illinois vehicle code for specifics, wear helmets and reflective gear, and follow traffic laws to keep themselves and others safe as micro-mobility use increases.
For your specific city or counties regulations on micro-mobility vehicles, contact your county sheriffs office or your local police station
