How Old Do You Have to Be to Ride an eBike in Illinois?

Although bicycles are a great method of transportation for almost all ages, ebikes fall under a slightly different category. So, how old do you have to be to ride an eBike in Illinois? It depends on the type of e-bike and the location you live in. Illinois state laws do provide minimum age restrictions for class 3 electric bicycles, but local laws in various municipalities may also affect who can ride these bikes. 

At Chicago Bike Injury Lawyers, we support injured cyclists and families across the state to understand age restrictions and pursue civil claims. If you have been hurt in an e-bike accident, our attorneys will stand by your side during the claims process to seek compensation. 

Understanding the e-bike laws surrounding appropriate ages for low-speed electric bikes could play a role in determining who is responsible for legal damages. 

What Are the Illinois eBike Laws?

Illinois ebike laws are outlined in the state’s Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/1-140.10. Low-speed e-bikes are divided into three classes, which are determined by their capabilities and speeds. For example, all electric bicycles must have a motor wattage maximum of 750 watts. 

Let’s look at the various classes as defined by this law.

Class 1

Class 1 is defined as a low-speed e-bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and the assistance ceases when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph. 

Class 2

This type of low-speed electric bike has a motor that can be used to exclusively propel the bike without pedaling, but only up to 20 mph, after which the rider must operate the pedals to propel the bike. 

Class 3

The third class of ebikes contains a motor that provides pedal assist up to speeds of 28 mph. If the bike rider exceeds this speed, the motor cannot provide assistance. 

What Are the Age Restrictions Imposed on E-Bike Riders in Illinois?

According to the Illinois Vehicle Code, only a class 3 e-bike has an age restriction at the state level. A person can only operate e-bikes of this class if they are 16 years of age or older. A person under 16 is allowed to ride as a passenger if the e-bike is designed to accommodate passengers. 

Do You Need an Electric Bike Driver’s License in Illinois?

There are no regulations for a license to operate a low-speed electric bike in Illinois. The only restriction is for class 3 bicycles, which cannot be operated by anyone under 16 years old.

What Are the Age Requirements Imposed by Local Governments?

Some local governments have stricter regulations than the state for riding bicycles with electric motors. Below are some cities within Illinois that have different rules from the statewide requirements:

• Bolingbrook (DuPage County) – Under Section 50-4.3 of the municipal code, Bolingbrook does not allow anyone under the age of 13 to operate an e-bike. This includes class 1 and class 2 bicycles. 
• Elgin (Cook County) – In Elgin, electric bikes are prohibited on all streets unless the operator has a valid driver’s license and other specific documents under state law. This is based on Section 11.45.020 of the local municipal code. 
• Schaumburg (Cook County) – Local ordinances in Schaumburg do not allow anyone under 16 years old to operate these non-traditional bicycles. This applies to all classes of e-bikes and is outlined in Section 73.20 of the city’s municipal code. 
• Skokie (Cook County) – While there is no specific rule stating a minimum age for motor-driven cycles in Skokie, they can only be operated by individuals with a valid driver’s license (Section 106-192). This means, by default, most children who are 16 years or less cannot operate a motor-driven cycle, since they cannot obtain a driver’s license yet. 

How Age Limits in Electric Bike Laws Impact Liability After an Accident

The age of a rider may have a significant impact on the outcome of an injury claim. 

In some municipalities across the state, stricter age limits are enforced because younger riders may not be as proficient in following traffic rules and the rules of the road. Therefore, if you are too young to operate an e-scooter or electric bike in a certain area, this could increase the chances that you are blamed for an accident. 

For example, perhaps you are involved in a collision on a multi-use path in Elgin. Insurers may use a defense argument that someone was operating a bike illegally because of local e-bike laws. In these cases, liability for a claim may hinge on whether the e-bike was lawful under state and local laws. 

Another factor to consider is comparative negligence. In Illinois, multiple parties can share fault for an accident that leads to injuries and legal damages. This is known as comparative negligence (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). You must be no more than 50% at fault for an accident to be eligible for compensation in a settlement. 

If the traffic laws in a city in Illinois establish a lower age limit for e-bike operation, then liability could be found with a young rider. 

Safety Tips for Younger Riders

Riders of all ages face dangers when they take bicycles or motor-assisted pedal cycles onto the roads in this state. Even if you are of an appropriate age to ride this type of vehicle, you must exercise even more caution because of how exposed you are on the bike. 

Here are some helpful tips young cyclists should follow to be safer on the streets of Illinois. 

Use Low-Speed E-Bikes

E-bike riders should always focus on using safe equipment. Many bikes have a lower speed capacity that prevents them from going too fast. At the very least, these low-speed e-bikes prevent the motor assistance from kicking in above a certain speed. 

If the bike itself cannot exceed a maximum speed with the motor’s help, it is easier to maintain control of the vehicle for safer driving. Since each city has its own rules for age limits and operation, make sure you understand what laws apply where you are riding. 

Use Full Safety Gear

Although you can be an incredibly cautious cyclist, you never know when a road hazard, inattentive driver, or slippery surface could cause an accident. Always wear protective gear when riding for greater traffic safety, such as helmets, reflective clothing, and thick clothing. 

Other equipment that can protect you while riding e-bikes or pocket bikes includes bright reflectors, headlamps, and bells. Some riders also invest in knee or elbow pads to prevent road rash in the event of a crash. 

Avoid High-Traffic Roads and Speeding Vehicles

Another easy way to protect yourself from danger is to stay away from busy roads and high-speed-limit areas. Try to stick to bike paths when you are permitted to use them. Bike lanes are also becoming more prevalent throughout Illinois. Although you can use public streets in many localities, keep your head on a swivel to scan your surroundings and stay alert around other motorists. 

Since the top-assisted speed for these bikes is often 20 or 28 mph, you do not want to get in the way of speeding vehicles. Avoid highways, expressways, and country roads where drivers can achieve higher speeds, as they will easily overtake you and may not have time to react and avoid accidents. 

Even if you are legally riding on that street, a motorist who is driving in an unsafe manner will place you at greater risk of injuries. This is why using bike paths and separate lanes is recommended. 

Book a Free Consultation

At Chicago Bike Injury Lawyers, we know what it takes to win bicycle accident claims. Whether you were injured due to underage e-bike use or a distracted driver, our team believes in your case and will fight for the compensation you deserve. Legal damages after a serious e-bike accident could include:

• Lost wages – For missed time at work that results in lost income
• Medical expenses – Past and future costs associated with your treatment, including emergency room visits, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy
• Property damage – If your bike or vehicle is damaged due to someone else’s negligence, you could recover the cost of repairs or replacements
• Emotional distress – This traumatic experience could lead to anxiety, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, self-harm, or a fear of biking
• Pain and suffering – Physical injuries from the crash could result in chronic pain or suffering due to treatment methods, such as invasive surgeries
• Loss of enjoyment of life – The trauma of a bad e-bike crash could make it difficult for you to enjoy life to the max after the incident

Navigating the claims process while focusing on recovery can be challenging. You may be facing varied helmet laws, confusing local ordinances, stubborn defendants, and shady insurance company tactics. Our top-rated e-bike accident attorneys in Chicago will provide the following legal services to protect your right to fair compensation:

• Investigating the circumstances of the accident
• Analyzing e-bike classes involved based on motor size and speed limits
• Establishing liability based on evidence
• Gathering witness statements, surveillance footage, and photos of the scene
• Assessing and proving legal damages for full compensation
• Negotiating with insurance companies for full compensation
• Litigating in civil court if necessary

At Chicago Bike Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless we secure a settlement on your behalf. Additionally, we offer a free consultation so you can ask questions about age limits for e-bike riders, liability, and legal damages. 

Contact us today at 312-646-3708 to schedule a no-obligation consultation with our expert attorneys.