Do I Need a License for a Moped in Illinois?

Mopeds and small scooters are an affordable, convenient way to get around Illinois cities and suburbs, but they come with rules, risks, and sometimes confusion. In this blog, we provide a clear, practical guide to whether you need a license to ride a moped in Illinois, what else the law requires (registration, insurance, helmet rules), and the crash data and common causes of moped accidents you should know before you get on the road. If you ride a moped or are thinking about it, this will help you stay legal and safer.

What Is Considered a “Moped” in Illinois?

Illinois defines different small two-wheeled vehicles (mopeds, motor-driven cycles, scooters, motorcycles) based on engine size, top speed, and equipment. A commonly used definition for a moped is a motorized two- or three-wheeled vehicle with an engine displacement below a certain size that can’t exceed a modest top speed (classic examples are 49cc, limited-speed models). Whether a specific vehicle is legally a “moped” or a different class (for example, a “motor-driven cycle” or motorcycle) depends on federal and state safety and design standards and how the vehicle is titled/marketed. The Illinois Secretary of State and the Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual explain the distinctions used for licensing and registration.

Do I Need a Driver’s License to Ride a Moped in Illinois?

Short answer: yes, you must carry a valid driver’s license to operate a moped on Illinois public roads. Illinois law and the Secretary of State’s guidance require operators of mopeds to have a valid driver’s license. If the vehicle fails to meet narrow moped criteria and is classified as a motor-driven cycle or motorcycle, a motorcycle endorsement/class (Class L or Class M) may be required. In practice:

If your vehicle meets all legal criteria to be a moped, you may operate it with any valid Illinois driver’s license (Class D, for example) rather than a full motorcycle license.
If the vehicle is considered a motor-driven cycle or motorcycle (for example, higher top speed or different equipment), you will need the appropriate motorcycle license or endorsement (Class L or Class M).

Because manufacturers, modifications, or aftermarket parts can change how a vehicle is classified, it’s important to confirm the classification for your specific scooter or moped at your local Secretary of State office or via the vehicle’s title/VIN paperwork.

Moped Registration, Title, and Insurance

Even though mopeds are small, Illinois still requires certain small motor vehicles to be titled and registered if they travel on public roadways:

Title & registration: Many mopeds and scooters must be titled and registered in Illinois, especially if they display a federal safety certification label and VIN (the Secretary of State provides guidance on which scooters/mopeds require title/registration). Check the VSD-190 or your local Secretary of State office for the registration process.
Insurance: If the vehicle is classified as a motor-driven cycle or motorcycle, minimum liability insurance requirements for motorcycles apply. For true mopeds that meet all moped criteria, insurance rules can vary, but regardless of classification, carrying liability insurance (and considering medical or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage) is prudent. Consult your insurer or the Secretary of State for specifics tied to your vehicle class.

Moped Helmet & Equipment Rules

Illinois does not currently have a universal statewide helmet law requiring adults riding mopeds or motorcycles to wear helmets; riders should nevertheless wear a DOT-approved helmet because head injuries are the most serious consequence of two-wheeler crashes. Many safety advocates and legal resources point out that Illinois is one of the states without a mandatory helmet law for all riders, though local ordinances or youth laws may differ. Regardless of legal minimums, wearing protective gear is strongly recommended.

Statistics on Moped Accidents

Small two-wheeled vehicles, including mopeds, scooters, and e-scooters, are associated with a higher injury risk per mile than enclosed passenger vehicles. A few important data points and sources:

Illinois crash data (2023): Illinois reported hundreds of thousands of crashes statewide in 2023. While most statewide crash reports focus on passenger vehicles and motorcycles broadly, they help show the scale of roadway risk in Illinois.
Motorcyclist and small-vehicle risk: National data from NHTSA and IIHS show motorcyclists face much higher per-mile fatality and injury rates than passenger vehicle occupants; motorcyclist fatality rates per 100 million VMT are dozens of times higher than passenger cars. While mopeds often travel fewer miles, their vulnerability in mixed traffic is similar in kind: exposed riders, less conspicuity, and vulnerability to the same high-energy crashes with passenger vehicles.
E-scooters and micromobility injuries rising: Consumer Product Safety Commission reporting and peer-reviewed studies show a sharp increase in e-scooter and small-vehicle injuries in recent years (hospital emergency visits rose significantly in 2021–2022), underlining that micromobility devices are causing more severe injuries as usage grows. Although e-scooter statistics are separate from classic gas mopeds, the injury patterns (head trauma, fractures) overlap.

A 2011 peer-reviewed study of mopeds/scooters in other states found a meaningful share of moped crashes resulted in severe injuries; more recent nationwide trends show increased non-occupant e-scooter injuries and continuing high motorcyclist fatality rates. These sources reinforce that even low-speed mopeds can produce serious injuries in crashes.

Common Causes of Moped Crashes

Moped collisions typically happen for many of the same reasons as motorcycle crashes, but with some differences due to speed and visibility:

Driver failure to see the moped (conspicuity issues)
Left-turn collisions where a driver misjudges the moped’s speed
Roadway hazards (potholes, debris, uneven pavement) that disproportionately affect small-wheeled vehicles
Lane-splitting or riding too close to larger vehicles (unsafe positioning)
Speeding, impaired riding, or distracted driving on the part of either party

Preventive steps include wearing bright clothing, using headlights and reflective gear, avoiding riding in blind spots, obeying speed limits, and avoiding risky maneuvers. The injury risk from head trauma and fractures is high, so protective gear matters.

What To Do After a Moped Accident

If you’re involved in a moped crash:

Stop and move to safety if you can.
Call 911 for medical help and get a police report.
Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and injuries.
Get contact and insurance info from other drivers and witnesses.
Seek medical attention immediately (some injuries aren’t obvious at first).
Preserve your helmet, clothes, and any damaged gear, as they’re evidence.
Contact a Chicago moped accident attorney experienced with two-wheeler or micromobility accidents to protect your rights and help with insurance claims.

Following these steps helps preserve evidence and protects your legal options if you need to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or permanent impairment.

Frequently asked Questions About Mopeds

Q: Can a 16- or 17-year-old ride a moped with a permit?
A: Age and permit rules vary by license class. In many states teens can operate restricted small bikes with a provisional or restricted license; check Illinois Secretary of State rules for age-based restrictions and required endorsements.

Q: If my scooter is electric (e-scooter or e-bike), do the same rules apply?
A: Electric bikes and shared e-scooters often fall under different rules. Many e-bikes are treated like bicycles if they meet certain limitations, while shared e-scooters are subject to municipal rules. Confirm classification for your specific vehicle and municipality.

Q: What if I was hit by a car on my moped, can I get compensation?
A: Possibly. If another driver’s negligence caused the crash, you may seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Insurance and fault rules will affect recovery; consult an experienced attorney to evaluate the case.

Q: Should I get a motorcycle endorsement even if I ride a small moped?
A: Getting a motorcycle endorsement provides formal training, licensing, and broader legal protections if your vehicle is misclassified later. It’s a safer choice if you ride often or plan to upgrade to larger scooters.

Contact the Experienced Illinois Moped Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

At John J. Malm & Associates, we know that moped accidents can leave victims facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and difficult insurance battles. Our team has decades of experience representing injured riders throughout Illinois, and we have successfully recovered millions on behalf of our clients. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a moped or scooter crash, don’t try to handle the insurance company on your own. Contact our top-rated Naperville moped accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.