Barbara J Miller
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6/28/2025 12:00 PM
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When e-bikes were newer (2017/18?), I did a test ride article that included the bona fide legal framework below. Of course, state laws may have changed since; a proper up to date view of the state situation can be had from Dave Simmons at Ride Illinois. Sounds like the Village of Glenview may have made some choices that they are, unfortunately, entitled to.
When introduced, the most common type of e-bike by far was Class 1. The Class is required to be found somewhere on the frame; every e-bike owner should know what they've got. IMO, bike shops are not very knowledgeable or clear on either state or local Right of Way (ROW) rules. Sometimes police departments aren't either. From the original law . . . Good News Clear distinctions are made between the three classes of e-bikes. Power-assisted bikes (Class 1 and 3) are OK on trails when human-powered bikes are. Throttle-driven bikes (Class 2, not common) are the more highly regulated.
Each local authority can adjust its own ordinances as needed (usually when local residents have complained). This is true of many state laws, including the one about riding two abreast on a road, which is OK per Illinois but a no-no per ordinance in Winnetka and Glencoe.
Alas, rules about cycling can and do vary a lot. Yes, cyclists can be cited and fined for a violation. Yes, enforcement is very tricky/rare and likely not cost effective. Yes, it is a PIA for cyclists to know/follow the ROW ordinances for each local authority traversed, be it on road, trail or sidewalk. Yes, most cyclists just want to ride safely. But, yes, there are some idiots out there -- or at least aberrant behaviors.
Although I don't currently own an e-bike, I'm a big fan and think the model legislation got it right. For most, the appeal of e-bikes is efficiency, not speed. As we all know, given athletic prowess, it IS possible to ride a bike at 20-28 mph without a battery.
Barbara Miller
The Legal Basics Federal Law defines “electric bicycles” as those meeting any of three classes of e-bikes using standards with which manufacturers must comply under the Consumer Safety Protection Act. A complying e-bike is not a motor vehicle; it’s a bicycle. Electric-powered bikes with speed capability above these standards are considered mopeds and are motor vehicles.
Illinois is one of ten states that have adopted model legislation to provide a definitional framework within which local authorities may fashion right of way usage applicable to e-bikes. It includes:
Class 1 = pedal assist up to 20 mph Class 2 = throttle driven up to 20 mph (pedaling not required) Class 3 = pedal assist up to 28 mph An e-bike is a vehicle to the same extent as a bicycle. All e-bikes must be permanently labeled with their class, top assisted speed and motor wattage. Class 1 & 2 e-bikes may be ridden on bike or multi-use paths where bicycles are permitted unless the local authority prohibits it. Class 3 e-bikes may not be ridden on bike or multi-use paths unless it’s within or next to a roadway or unless the local authority permits it. Class 3 e-bikes may not be ridden by anyone under 16 years of age; all riders must wear helmets; all bikes must have a speedometer.
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