FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Dave Simmons
Executive Director, Ride Illinois
(630) 216-9282
[email protected]
Do you know the difference between legal classes of e-bikes and e-motos?
One of these devices is not legally defined in the Illinois Vehicle Code.
CHICAGO — August 5, 2025 — Do you know the difference between a legal e-bike and devices that are referred to as e-motos? Given the number of local news stories and municipal ordinances that are conflating the two devices, now is a good time to learn the important differences.
In recent years, the micromobility market has been flooded with devices that look like e-bikes, but don’t adhere to industry standards. E-motos should be the focus of municipal ordinances, not legal e-bikes.
E-moto Definition
E-motos – a term coined by People For Bikes – are not legally defined in the Illinois Vehicle Code. E-motos are often incorrectly lumped in with legal e-bikes due to their similar appearance.
E-motos typically:
- Have an electric motor with a power output exceeding 750 watts
- Have a bicycle-style frame equipped with one or more operating modes and a throttle
- Are capable of exceeding 20 mph using only the throttle
When used by adults, e-motos should only be used in travel lanes intended for automobiles – not on sidewalks, trails or infrastructure intended for bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, personal mobility devices (such as motorized wheelchairs), or other legal modes.
Many devices that are marketed to children and teens fall into the e-moto category. These devices should only be used by children and teens on personal property – not on sidewalks, trails, bike infrastructure, or roads.
E-bike Definition
Since 2018, the State of Illinois has recognized three classes of legal low-speed electric bicycles (625 ILCS 5/1-140.10). 47 other states also recognize three classes of legal e-bikes.
A bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets the requirements of one of the following classes:
Class 1: equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph.
Class 2: equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph.
Class 3: equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 mph. Per Illinois law, one must be 16 years of age or older to operate a Class 3 e-bike.
Request to Media
The public is confused! Please clearly differentiate between e-bikes and e-motos in articles, news segments, social media, etc. You’re invited to contact us with questions or to discuss this topic further.
A wealth of information on this topic is available on the Ride Illinois website.
Also, on Friday, August 22, at noon the Active Transportation Alliance and Ride Illinois will be hosting an online discussion on the topic of local e-bike/e-moto ordinances. RSVP here. Thank you!
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About Ride Illinois
Ride Illinois is a grassroots, nonprofit organization with a mission to make Illinois better through biking. The organization’s advocacy, education, and awareness efforts aim to make riding a bicycle in Illinois safer, more enjoyable, and accessible to all. Ride Illinois has more than 10,000 members and supporters in Illinois and nearby states. Learn more at rideillinois.org or call 630.216.9282.
About the Active Transportation Alliance
The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that advocates for walking, bicycling and public transit to create healthy, sustainable and equitable communities. The organization works to build a movement around active transportation, encourage physical activity, increase safety and build a world-class transportation network. The Active Transportation Alliance has more than 20,0000 members and supporters in the Chicago region. For more information about the Active Transportation Alliance, visit activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.