Illinois Senate Unanimously Passes Giannoulias E-Bike Bill

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Senators today approved a sweeping statewide safety initiative spearheaded by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to address the growing dangers posed by unregulated high-speed e-bikes, e-motos and other powerful electric transportation devices operating on streets, bike lanes and sidewalks across the state.

“As these devices become faster, heavier and more powerful, our laws must keep pace to protect riders and the public,” Giannoulias said. “This initiative closes dangerous regulatory gaps, creates uniformity across Illinois communities and ensures riders understand the responsibilities that come with high-speed electric devices. We’re replacing a confusing patchwork of local rules with clear statewide standards that prioritize safety.”

The legislation is part of Giannoulias’ Ride Safe, Ride Smart, Ride Ready campaign – a multi-pronged effort combining public education, updated rider training and legislation designed to modernize Illinois law as the micromobility industry rapidly evolves. From 2019 to 2022, micromobility-related injuries and fatalities surged 300% across the country, including Illinois.

Giannoulias credited State Sen. Ram Villivalam (8th District – Chicago), Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and sponsor of the legislation, while lauding members of the Senate for passing SB 3336 unanimously 54-0. He also thanked the wide-ranging group of stakeholders who provided input, including: the Illinois Municipal League (IML), Illinois High School and College Driver Education Association, Ride Illinois, Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, ABATE, and Lurie Children’s Hospital. The Illinois House will now consider the bill, where it is sponsored by State Rep. Barbara Hernandez (50th District – Aurora).

“Micromobility is quickly transforming how Illinoisans get around and is now part of everyday life, but innovation without guardrails puts people at risk,” Villivalam said. “This legislation brings safety, accountability and common-sense protections to reflect today’s reality and a new era of mobility.”

“This is exactly the kind of forward-looking legislation Illinois needs as new technology reshapes how people travel,” Hernandez said. “By setting clear statewide rules for higher-speed devices, we are protecting riders, reducing confusion for law enforcement and helping prevent avoidable tragedies before they happen."

The initiative focuses on higher-powered, higher-speed devices that fall outside current state definitions or remain largely unregulated, including certain e-bikes, e-motos and electric scooters, skateboards and unicycles. Illinois currently has no laws governing e-bikes and other micromobility devices that exceed 28 mph. Many of these devices have motors that exceed 750 watts and can travel well beyond 28 mph – in some cases over 50 mph – yet are not clearly addressed under existing law.

Illinois will maintain its current three-class e-bike structure, which covers pedal bicycles with electric motor assistance up to 28 mph – a framework already used in 46 other states. Under the proposal, those classifications would remain unchanged except for new age requirements that a rider on a Class 1 or Class 2 must be at least 15 years old.

Under the legislative framework:

• Riders of e-bikes and e-motos capable of traveling over 28 mph would be required to have a driver’s license, title, registration and insurance.
• High-speed micromobility devices such as e-scooters, electric skateboards and electric unicycles would be prohibited from operating over 28 mph on roads, bike lanes, bike paths and sidewalks. In addition, riders of any electric micromobility device must be at least 16 years old.
• The legislation establishes statewide consistency, replacing the current patchwork of local ordinances that vary widely from one municipality to another.

If signed into law, the bill would take effect on January 1, 2027. E-bikes and e-motos purchased prior to that date would be exempt from the title requirement but must still be registered.

Along with the legislation, the Ride Safe, Ride Smart, Ride Ready campaign will deliver:

• Statewide public awareness outreach for parents, riders and retailers,
• Updated driver education materials focused on sharing the road safely,
• Law enforcement guidance and community safety partnerships, and
• Outreach to schools and municipalities on responsible micromobility use.

The initiative is part of the Secretary of State’s broader effort to modernize transportation safety laws and respond proactively to emerging technologies before preventable injuries and fatalities continue to rise.

Alexi Giannoulias was sworn into office as Illinois’ 38th Secretary of State on January 9, 2023. In this capacity, he also serves as the State Librarian and State Archivist. Giannoulias is committed to transforming the office’s antiquated IT infrastructure to modernize operations and improve customer service for all Illinoisans.

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