SPRINGFIELD, IL. – Illinois lawmakers are moving to impose new statewide rules on electric bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices, advancing legislation backed by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias that supporters say is needed to address growing safety concerns as the devices become more common on bike paths, sidewalks, and roads.
The Illinois Senate passed the bill, Senate Bill 3336, on June 1, 2026, by a 55-2 vote after it had also passed the House. The measure now awaits Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature and is slated to take effect Jan. 1, 2027. The Illinois House passed Senate Bill 3336 (also referred to as SB 3484/e-bike legislation) by an 80-30 vote on May 27, 2026. The bill sets statewide age requirements, speed limits, and usage rules for e-bikes, e-scooters, and other “micromobility” devices.
Giannoulias, who championed the legislation, said the state needs a more uniform regulatory system as electric transportation devices have changed in recent years.
“Five years ago, you only saw bicyclists or joggers. Now you see literal motorcycles that are on the bike path, and it’s dangerous,” Giannoulias said.
The bill would establish age requirements, speed-based classifications, and operating rules for e-bikes and scooters, while imposing stricter requirements on higher-speed devices.
Under the legislation, riders must be at least 15 years old to operate standard Class 1 e-bikes that can travel up to 20 mph. Riders must be 16 to operate Class 3 bikes that can reach 28 mph.
E-bikes and scooters capable of exceeding 28 mph would be reclassified under the bill. Riders of those higher-speed vehicles would be required to have a driver’s license, title registration, and insurance.
The measure also establishes penalties for driving under the influence if the operator is traveling faster than 28 mph.
Beginning in 2027, the bill would override local e-bike ordinances, although park and forest preserve districts could keep rules for their own trails and paths.
Supporters say the legislation is intended to create baseline safety standards in a state with relatively few regulations governing the devices.
Giannoulias also pointed to reported injuries tied to the devices.
“We actually have folks from Northwestern hospital who are telling us that the number of incidents that they’re seeing in emergency rooms because of these e-bikes and these micromobility vehicles has been staggering,” he said.
