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:
If your motorized bicycle meets the definition of a Low-speed Gas Bicycle then:
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.
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.
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.
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.
