Illinois Motorized Bicycle Laws

Illinois Motorized Bicycle Laws

In Illionois, a motorized bicycle may fall under the definition of a Low-speed Gas Bicycle, providing it meets the following criteria.

A Low-speed Gas Bicycle is defined as having:
  • 2 or 3-wheels with fully operable pedals,
  • A gasoline motor of less than 1 horsepower (15cc),
  • A maximum speed of less than 20 miles per hour.
Here's the actual definition of a Low-speed Gas Bicycle so you can read it in more detail:
Section 625 ILCS 5/1-140.15 - Low-speed Gas Bicycle
A 2 or 3-wheeled device with fully operable pedals and a gasoline motor of less than one horsepower, whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 miles per hour.

If your motorized bicycle meets the definition of a Low-speed Gas Bicycle then:
  • You must be at least 16 years of age to operate it,
  • You must not operate it at speeds greater than 20mph,
  • You must not operate it on a sidewalk,
  • You must obey all bicycle laws.
Again, here's the actual law so you can read it in more detail.
(625 ILCS 5/11-1516)
Sec. 11-1516. Low-speed gas bicycles.
(a) A person may operate a low-speed gas bicycle only if the person is at least 16 years of age.
(b) A person may not operate a low-speed gas bicycle at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour upon any highway, street, or roadway.
(c) A person may not operate a low-speed gas bicycle on a sidewalk.
(d) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the provisions of this Article XV that apply to bicycles also apply to low-speed gas bicycles.
(Source: P.A. 100-209, eff. 1-1-18.)

If your motorized bicycle does not meet the definition of a Low-speed Gas Bicycle and the engine is larger than 15cc, then it might fall under the definition of a Moped. In Illinois, Mopeds require a license and registration. However, you may have trouble registering a motorized bicycle as a moped, and so therefore they fall into a grey area where they are neither considered a Low-speed Gas Bicycle or a Moped. Please check the motorized bicycle laws with the DOT or your local authority, and leave a comment in the discussion area if you find out any new information.
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