What Families Need to Know About Illinois’ New Restrictions on E-Bikes and E-Scooters for Young Riders

Electric bicycles and e-scooters have rapidly transformed the way people travel throughout Illinois. From neighborhood streets and park trails to downtown business districts, these vehicles have become increasingly popular among adults and teenagers alike. Unfortunately, their popularity has also been accompanied by a sharp rise in crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities involving riders and pedestrians.

Recognizing these growing safety concerns, Illinois lawmakers have approved sweeping new legislation designed to regulate high-speed e-bikes, e-scooters, e-motos, and other electric micromobility devices. The legislation aims to establish consistent statewide rules, particularly for younger riders, while addressing concerns that local communities have struggled to regulate on their own. For parents, teenagers, and anyone injured in an e-bike or e-scooter accident, understanding these new rules is becoming increasingly important.

“Technology often advances faster than the law. As e-bikes and e-scooters become more powerful and more common on Illinois roads, clear safety rules help protect riders, pedestrians, and motorists alike. When serious accidents happen, understanding those legal responsibilities can make a significant difference in protecting injured victims and their families.” — John J. Malm, Naperville e-scooter accident attorney

Why Illinois Is Tightening E-Bike and E-Scooter Regulations

Until recently, many Illinois municipalities adopted their own local ordinances regarding e-bikes and e-scooters. Some communities imposed age restrictions, others prohibited riding on sidewalks, and others had virtually no regulations at all.

According to a recent Daily Herald report, lawmakers sought to eliminate this inconsistent patchwork of regulations by creating statewide standards governing higher-speed electric devices. The legislation received unanimous approval in the Illinois Senate and was championed by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias as part of a broader public safety initiative.

The legislation reflects growing concerns from law enforcement agencies, emergency physicians, and local governments about increasingly powerful electric vehicles being operated by inexperienced riders.

Rising Injury Statistics Highlight the Need for Safety

The growth in e-bike usage has been accompanied by a dramatic increase in injuries nationwide.

According to information cited by the Illinois Secretary of State and multiple news reports:

• Micromobility-related injuries and fatalities increased approximately 300% nationwide between 2019 and 2022.
• Emergency physicians are reporting increasing numbers of severe head injuries and traumatic injuries involving young riders.
• Many crashes involve riders traveling at speeds significantly greater than those traditionally associated with bicycles.
• Local police departments throughout suburban Chicago have reported dramatic increases in complaints involving reckless riding, sidewalk use, and dangerous interactions with motor vehicles.

National research published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has likewise documented significant increases in emergency department visits involving micromobility devices over recent years.

What the New Illinois Law Would Do

The proposed statewide framework establishes clearer classifications and restrictions for various electric mobility devices.

Among the most significant provisions are:

• Minimum age requirements for riders.
• New regulations for high-speed electric devices.
• Licensing requirements for certain vehicles.
• Registration and title requirements for qualifying devices.
• Mandatory insurance requirements for certain high-speed e-bikes and e-motos.
• Restrictions on where certain vehicles may legally operate.
• Greater statewide consistency replacing varying municipal ordinances.

The legislation represents one of the most comprehensive statewide approaches to regulating electric micromobility devices in Illinois.

New Restrictions for Young Riders

One of the most significant aspects of the legislation involves age restrictions designed to protect younger users. According to statewide legislative summaries:

• Riders of Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes generally must be at least 15 years old.
• Riders of higher-speed electric micromobility devices, including many electric scooters and similar vehicles, generally must be at least 16 years old.
• Devices capable of traveling beyond specified speed thresholds may be subject to substantially greater legal requirements.

These age restrictions are intended to reduce injuries involving children operating increasingly powerful electric vehicles without sufficient experience or supervision.

High-Speed E-Bikes Face New Licensing and Insurance Requirements

Perhaps the most significant change affects powerful e-bikes and e-motos capable of speeds exceeding 28 miles per hour.

Under the legislation, qualifying vehicles may require:

• A valid driver’s license
• Vehicle registration
• Certificate of title
• Liability insurance

This represents a substantial shift from traditional bicycle regulation and reflects lawmakers’ view that certain high-speed devices function more like motor vehicles than conventional bicycles.

Why These Changes Matter for Personal Injury Cases

As regulations become more clearly defined, they may also become increasingly relevant in personal injury litigation.

Potential issues may include:

• Negligence by underage riders
• Failure to comply with statutory requirements
• Lack of required insurance coverage
• Improper operation of high-speed devices
• Municipal liability issues involving roadway design
• Motorist negligence involving vulnerable riders
• Product defects involving batteries or braking systems

Violations of safety statutes can become important evidence when determining liability after an accident.

Parents Should Understand the Risks

Many parents purchase e-bikes believing they function similarly to traditional bicycles. However, some modern electric devices can reach speeds rivaling mopeds or motorcycles.

Parents should consider:

• Age appropriateness
• Helmet use
• Supervision
• Rider training
• Local traffic laws
• Visibility equipment
• Safe operating practices
• Appropriate insurance coverage where required

Education remains one of the most effective ways to reduce preventable injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions about E-bike and E-scooter Accidents

Are e-bikes legal in Illinois?

Yes. E-bikes are generally legal in Illinois, but the applicable rules depend on the classification of the bike and, under the new legislation, potentially its speed capabilities and other characteristics.

What is the new minimum age for riding certain e-bikes?

Under the proposed statewide framework, riders of Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes generally must be at least 15 years old, while certain higher-speed micromobility devices require operators to be at least 16 years old.

Will high-speed e-bikes require insurance?

Certain high-speed devices capable of exceeding 28 mph would require registration, title, a driver’s license, and liability insurance under the new legislation.

Can a child injured in an e-bike accident recover compensation?

Potentially, yes. Depending on the circumstances, claims may exist against negligent motorists, property owners, manufacturers, or other responsible parties. Every case depends on its specific facts.

Can parents be affected if their child violates e-bike laws?

Potentially. Parents may face legal consequences in certain circumstances, and violations of applicable laws can become relevant in both traffic enforcement and civil litigation. Local law enforcement agencies have emphasized increasing enforcement efforts involving juvenile riders.

Contact the Top Illinois Injury Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates After an E-Bike or E-Scooter Accident

As e-bikes and e-scooters become more common across Illinois, the legal issues surrounding these accidents are becoming increasingly complex. Questions involving insurance coverage, statutory compliance, comparative negligence, product defects, and catastrophic injuries often require a detailed legal analysis.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an Illinois e-bike or e-scooter accident, the experienced attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates can evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact our firm today for a free consultation and let our team help you navigate this rapidly evolving area of Illinois personal injury law.