E-Bike Commuting in Chicago: Rules, Classes and Where to Ride

Illinois law treats a low-speed e-bike as a bicycle with limits. The class decides where you may ride, and a new state law will redraw some of those lines in 2027.⁵

The three classes

Illinois defines a low-speed e-bike as a bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, in one of three classes.¹

Class	How the motor works	Assist stops at
Class 1	Assists only while pedaling	20 mph1
Class 2	Motor can propel the bike on its own	20 mph1
Class 3	Assists only while pedaling	28 mph1

Each class has a motor cutoff. Chicago’s code requires a Class 1 or Class 3 motor to disengage when the rider stops pedaling.³ Illinois requires a Class 2 motor to disengage when the brakes are applied.²

What to check on the bike

Illinois requires a label on the bicycle showing its class number, top assisted speed and motor wattage.² Read it before you buy. A Class 3 bike must carry a speedometer that displays speed in miles per hour.²

Where you may ride

State law treats low-speed e-bikes like bicycles: the provisions that apply to bicycles also apply to them.² A rider may use any highway, street or roadway authorized for bicycles, bike lanes included.²

Bicycle paths are open unless the local authority prohibits e-bikes or a specific class.² The Park District is deciding what that means on its paths. See the Lakefront section below.

Sidewalks are closed. A person may not operate a low-speed e-bike on a sidewalk.² Chicago repeats the ban for Class 3: no one may ride one on any sidewalk.⁴

Age limits

In Chicago, only a person 16 or older may operate a Class 3 e-bike.³ The 2027 state law sets 15 for Class 1 and Class 2, and lets riders under 16 travel as passengers on a Class 3 e-bike designed for passengers.⁵

The 2027 law

Public Act 104-0854 takes effect January 1, 2027.⁵ Three changes matter to commuters:

• An electric bicycle that is not low-speed is a motor driven cycle.⁵
• Local governments may not otherwise regulate low-speed e-bikes, except as the Act allows.⁵
• Park districts, forest preserve districts and transit districts may regulate low-speed e-bikes on bicycle paths under their jurisdiction.⁵

WTTW reports that the law standardizes what had been a patchwork of municipal rules. It also separates low-speed devices from vehicles closer to motorcycles.⁶

Vehicles capable of more than 28 mph will be barred from bike lanes and bike paths. Riders of those machines must be 16, with a driver’s license, registration and insurance.⁶ WTTW reports the law permits lower-speed e-bikes and e-scooters at speeds up to 28 mph.⁷

The Lakefront Trail and park paths

As of WTTW’s September 30 report, the Park District is still setting its own limits. It is holding town halls, and attendees favored tougher limits than the state’s, especially on speed.⁷ Forest preserve districts and other municipalities have capped speeds at 15 to 20 mph.⁷ Shared e-scooters are already restricted on the lakefront path and the 606.⁷

The district’s timeline targets proposed changes at its board’s November meeting, a 45-day comment period, and potential approval in January.⁷ Check posted signs before you ride a path, and read the Lakefront Trail guide for the route itself.

E-bikes on transit

CTA. Folding e-bikes are always allowed on the L and on buses, if folded.⁸ Other bike rules are in bikes on CTA trains.

Metra. Riders must be able to carry the bike on and off the train without the motor’s help.⁹ Onboard power outlets may not be used to charge e-bikes.⁹ Metra amended its bike policy to require this.¹⁰ See bikes on Metra.

Try one before buying

Divvy e-bikes are pedal-assist with a 20 mph maximum.¹¹ A single ride costs a $1 unlock plus $0.44 a minute.¹² Divvy e-bikes can start and end trips at any Divvy station or at any legal bike parking space, with extra fees.¹¹ See Divvy e-bikes for the full pricing.

Lock it well

E-bikes are a target. In a Bike Index survey, 12% of stolen bikes were e-bikes.¹³ Bike locks in Chicago explains how to lock one.

For routes, parking and the rest of the commute, start at the commuting hub and the Chicago bike commuting guide.