Class 1, 2 and 3 (low-speed electric bicycles, motor under 750 W)
Minimum age
16 for Class 3. A new law (SB 3484) adds 15 for Class 1 and 2, and 18 to carry a passenger other than close family.
Helmet rule
Checking with official source
Where you can ride
Streets, bike lanes, bike paths and shared-use trails. Not sidewalks. Park, forest preserve and state agencies can set their own trail rules.
License / registration
None for e-bikes. Under SB 3484, faster e-bikes (750 W+, over 28 mph) and e-motos are treated as motor-driven cycles: license, title, registration and insurance.
County & city rules
Highlighted counties have local e-bike rules we've checked against an official source. Everywhere else, state law applies. Parks, trails and HOAs can still post their own rules.
No Class 3 on any sidewalk. Class 3 riders may not pass slower vehicles on the right. No bikes on Lake Shore Drive. Fines $50–$200 unless stated otherwise.
Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on all trails where bicycles are allowed, except single-track mountain bike trails, at speeds under 15 mph. Class 3 e-bikes are banned.
Trails & paths
Cook County forest preserves
Age & helmet
Speeds under 15 mph; No Class 3; No riding on single-track mountain bike trails; Official marked trails only
No Class 3 on any sidewalk. Class 3 riders may not pass slower vehicles on the right. No bikes on Lake Shore Drive. Fines $50–$200 unless stated otherwise.
ALL Electric