Taylorville residents are being reminded to know the rules before hitting the road on an electric bike. The Taylorville Police Department is sharing information about Illinois' e-bike laws, encouraging riders to stay safe and avoid costly violations.

Under state law, Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assist only, with motor assistance ending at 20 miles per hour. Class 2 e-bikes can use a throttle and also have a top assisted speed of 20 miles per hour. Class 3 e-bikes are pedal-assist only and can reach up to 28 miles per hour. Riders must be at least 15 years old to operate a Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike, while Class 3 riders must be at least 16.

Police say e-bikes are allowed on public streets, but they are not permitted to operate on sidewalks anywhere in Illinois. Riders under the age of 18 are also prohibited from carrying passengers unless that passenger is an immediate family member.

While helmets are not required by state law, the department strongly encourages every rider to wear one for added safety.

Officials also remind residents that once an electric bike exceeds 750 watts of power or is capable of traveling faster than 28 miles per hour, it is no longer considered an e-bike under Illinois law. Those higher-speed devices may be classified as motor-driven cycles and could require a valid driver's license, liability insurance, registration and a title.

Violating the law can result in traffic citations, and in some cases, police may impound the vehicle. Operating an unregistered, uninsured or improperly classified motor-driven cycle can also lead to more serious legal consequences, including DUI charges if the rider is impaired.

Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler also shared an eductional video about E-Bikes on the Taylorville Police Department Facebook Page.

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