10/14/2026
🔴 ILLINOIS LAW UPDATE
New Requirements for High-Speed E-Bikes & E-Motos
Effective January 1, 2027
Illinois has enacted new statewide micromobility requirements affecting certain high-speed e-bikes and e-motos.
WHAT'S CHANGING?
Beginning January 1, 2027, Illinois will regulate higher-powered e-bikes and e-motos as motor-driven cycles.
For covered high-speed devices, riders will be required to have:
✓ Valid driver's license
✓ Title
✓ Registration
✓ Insurance
The Illinois Secretary of State identifies high-speed e-bikes as pedal bicycles with a 750+ watt motor capable of traveling faster than 28 mph. E-motos meeting the applicable criteria are also subject to the new requirements.
🚲 WHAT ABOUT TRADITIONAL E-BIKES?
The new title, registration and insurance requirements do not apply to traditional Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes that remain within Illinois' existing e-bike classifications.
Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes operate up to 20 mph, while Class 3 pedal-assist e-bikes operate up to 28 mph. The new law does include additional age and operating requirements for these devices.
“Does anyone in your household own an e-bike or e-moto?”
“Do you know the top speed and motor wattage?”
“Is it an e-bike, or could it actually qualify as an e-moto/high-speed device?”
This is particularly relevant when talking with parents of teens, as the Illinois Secretary of State cautions that some online marketplaces may market high-speed e-motos alongside traditional e-bikes, making the distinction difficult for consumers.
