Wrench
Bikeberry is wrong as well. I can write my own website and write anything I want.
And as of 2012 when I joined this forum I had read literally every law with the word bicycle in it and I didn't read what I wanted into it.
I admit I have not kept up with changes since then.
Still everything I said in my original post is right.
Below find the legal definitions.
You'll note that there are two different definitions for moped and low-speed motorized bicycles.
In the third definition you'll note that low-speed motorized bicycles are specifically excluded from being "motor vehicles" meaning you don't need a license, registration, plate or insurance just to be 16 years old or over.
Illinois does NOT consider low-speed motorized bicycles to be mopeds.
Here in Illinois low-speed motorized bicycles are commonly called DUI bikes because it is common knowledge that a license is not needed.
I know in 2012 the displacement limit was 50cc but now it says 15cc but I think this is a typo because I can find no evidence of it being changed and 15 cc is a cox model airplane engine. All the cops say it is 50cc but they are commonly wrong. Also local dealers sell a very nice 4 cycle 50cc motorized bicycle with automatic transmission, electric start that can be configured as a moped if desired. It looks just like a motorcycle with blinkers, headlight, brake lights and full suspension and operable pedals that can be removed if you convert it to a moped.
if you convert it to a moped it will go 30 mph instead of 20 but you need a one time plate and a drivers license (but not a motorcycle endorsement) and insurance.
It's called a lazer 6 and retails for about $1700
Lazer 6
I would get one but I have gone electric because I can go 28 mph with no red tape and it's quiet. That is why i have not been active on this forum. I was and am tempted to get one though.
(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.)
625 ILCS 5/1-148.2) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1-148.2)
Sec. 1-148.2. Moped. A moped is a motor-drivencycle, with or without optional power derived from manually operated pedals, whose speed attainable in one mile is at least 20 mph but not greater than 30 mph, and is equippedwith a motor that produces 2 brake horsepower or less.If an internal combustion engine is used, the displacement shall not exceed50 cubic centimeter displacement and the power drive system shall not requirethe operator to shift gears.
(Source: P.A. 96-554, eff. 1-1-10.)
625 ILCS 5/1-146) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1-146)
Sec. 1-146. Motor vehicle. Every vehicle which is self-propelled andevery vehicle which ispropelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but notoperated upon rails, except for vehicles moved solely by human power, motorized wheelchairs, low-speed electric bicycles, and low-speed gas bicycles.
Typos left as found on the web site.
www.bikeberry.com
