E-Bike Uncertainty Forces New State and Local Laws

“I just watched a kid pull out onto Montana Dr. right in front of an SUV going about 15 miles per hour over the speed limit. The kid probably could have kissed the front bumper of that car. Your kid on a fancy bike won't be one of the cool kids when they're dead.” 

Cary’s Mayor and Village Board passed an ordinance on April 7, 2026, but many residents remain unaware of existing restrictions and penalties. In response to the confusion, Chief of Police, Nathan Hayes, sent a letter to parents of school-age children in May.  

The Village of Cary follows Illinois’ State Law Regarding Electric Bicycles (20-28mph)

• Allowed on streets, bike lanes, bike paths, and shared-use trails.

• Prohibited on sidewalks.

• Class 3 riders (max speed 28 mph) must be at least 16 years old.

  
  

While the state of Illinois also has laws governing low-speed electric scooters (10-20 mph), it leaves it to municipalities to determine which rules riders must follow. The Village of Cary prohibits the use of all e-scooters, hoverboards, one-wheels, and e-motos by all ages, including on bicycle paths, roadways, and sidewalks. Outside the village of Cary, riders must be 18 years+ to ride electric scooters in Illinois. 

In addition to these local regulations, all riders are expected to follow the Rules of the Road, including stopping at traffic signals and stop signs, and more:

• Helmets are not required by state law

• Lights are required at night

• Riders must yield to pedestrians

• Class 3 e-bikes must have a speedometer

Concerns and questions should be directed towards the Chief of Police, Nathan Hayes, at 847-474-8046 or nhayes@caryillinois.com. 

Riders and Pedestrians should remain aware of upcoming changes to state law. Senate Bill (SB3484) passed both Illinois Houses on June 1st and is waiting for Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s signature. These laws are expected to begin on January 1, 2027.

Low-Speed Electric Bicycle (up to 20 mph or 750 watts)

• Allowed on streets, bike lanes, bike paths, and shared-use trails.

• Prohibited on sidewalks.

• Class 1 and 2 operators must be 15; Class 3 operators must be at least 16 years old; and must be 18 to have a passenger unless they are a sibling, stepsibling, child, or stepchild of the operator.

High-Speed Electric Bicycle (Pedal bicycle with an electric motor or 750+ watts that can travel faster than 28 mph)

• Regulated as a motor-driven cycle.

• Valid driver’s license, title, registration, and insurance required.

• Prohibited on sidewalks, bike lanes, and bike paths

E-Moto (Electric motor bike with a 750+ watt motor that can travel faster than 28 mph)

• Regulated as a motor-driven cycle.

• Valid driver’s license, title, registration, and insurance required.

• Prohibited on sidewalks, bike lanes, and bike paths.

Electric Unicycle (up to 50+ mph)

• Regulated as an electric micromobility device.

• Operators must be 16. 

• Prohibited from operating over 28 mph and on sidewalks

• Allowed on bike lanes, bike paths, and roads with speed limits up to 35 mph; allowed on roads with speed limits over 35 mph IF there is a bike lane.

Electric Skateboard (15–40 mph) 

• Regulated as an electric micromobility device.

• Operators must be 16. 

• Prohibited from operating over 28 mph and on sidewalks.

• Allowed on bike lanes, bike paths, and roads with speed limits up to 35 mph; allowed on roads with speed limits over 35 mph IF there is a bike lane. 

Low-Speed Electric Scooter (10-20 mph)

• Includes scooters up to 15 mph, regulated as an electric micromobility device.

• Must be 16.

• Prohibited from operating on sidewalks.

• Allowed on bike lanes, bike paths, and roads with speed limits up to 35 mph; allowed on roads with speed limits over 35 mph IF there is a bike lane. 

High-Speed Electric Scooter (up to 50+ mph)

• Includes scooters over 15 mph, regulated as an electric micromobility device.

• Must be 16.

• Prohibited from operating over 28 mph and on sidewalks.

• Allowed on bike lanes, bike paths, and roads with speed limits up to 35 mph; allowed on roads with speed limits over 35 mph IF there is a bike lane. 

Toy Vehicle (Battery-powered toy device operating up to 10 mph, specifically designed for children under 8)

• Allowed on sidewalks and bike paths unless prohibited locally.

Check out Illinois's Secretary of State's handy E-bike Buying Guide for Parents Here.