Electric Scooter Laws in Illinois – Complete Guide 2025

Summary Electric Scooter Law Illinois

• Classification: Low-speed electric scooter (Public Act 103-0899) or unregulated
• Min age: 16 years old (for low-speed electric scooters only)
• Helmet required: Under 18 (for low-speed electric scooters only)
• Max speed: 15 mph maximum for regulated low-speed scooters
• License: No; Registration: No (except Chicago shared programs)
• Sidewalk riding allowed: Municipal authorization required
• Bike lane access: Where municipalities allow
• Scooter sharing present: Yes (Chicago, other cities vary)
• Last checked: September 1, 2025

Illinois Finally Have Some Regulation

After years of operating in a regulatory gray area, Illinois finally passed electric scooter legislation in 2024 with Public Act 103-0899. But here’s the catch that many riders don’t realize: the Statute sets a quite low speed limit. The new law only applies to “low-speed electric scooters” with specific technical limitations (-15 mph).

Official Legal Framework

Illinois’s new electric scooter regulations are found in Public Act 103-0899, which amended the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/1-1 et seq.). Governor Pritzker signed this into law on August 9, 2024, imposing new regulations on certain types of low-speed electric scooters.

The law defines “low-speed electric scooter” as a device with specific technical requirements, but importantly gives municipalities the authority to authorize and regulate their operation within local jurisdictions.

Where You Can Ride

Here’s where Illinois’s new approach gets interesting. The state law doesn’t automatically allow low-speed electric scooters everywhere. Instead, it requires municipal authorization:

Where riding is allowed:

• Public roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less
• Bicycle lanes and bicycle paths
• Private property, with the owner’s permission

Where riding is prohibited:

• Roads with a posted speed limit over 35 mph or with four or more lanes
• Highways
• Selective cities allow sidewalk riding
• Public parks and trails

This municipal authorization requirement means that even with the new state law, local communities retain significant control over where electric scooters can operate.

Equipment & Vehicle Requirements

For scooters to qualify as “low-speed electric scooters” under Illinois law, they must meet the following criteria:

Technical specifications:

• Maximum speed capability of 15 mph on level ground
• Electric motor not exceeding 750 watts
• Two or three wheels
• Fully operable brakes
• Steering handlebars

Required equipment:

• Functional braking system
• Lights and reflectors when operated during darkness (specific requirements vary by municipality)

Scooters that exceed these specifications fall outside the new regulatory framework and remain subject only to local laws.

Rider Requirements

Age restrictions: Minimum age 16 years old

Helmet laws: Riders under 18 must wear helmets

Licensing: No driver’s license required

Alcohol/drug rules: Standard impaired operation laws apply

Traffic compliance: Must follow all applicable traffic laws and municipal regulations

Parking, Storage & Riding Etiquette

Illinois leaves parking regulations primarily to municipal authority. Common requirements include:

• Don’t block pedestrian access or ADA routes
• Follow local parking ordinances for shared scooter programs
• Respect private property
• Park in designated areas where available

Chicago has particularly detailed parking requirements for its shared scooter programs, make sure you follow the rules.

Enforcement & Penalties

Enforcement varies significantly because the new state law requires municipal implementation:

• Violations of municipal electric scooter ordinances: typically $25-200 fines
• Equipment violations: $25-100 fines
• Age or helmet violations: $50-150 fines
• Reckless operation: $100-500 fines depending on circumstances

Since enforcement depends on local ordinances, penalties can vary dramatically between municipalities.

Insurance & Liability

Illinois doesn’t have any specific insurance requirements for riders to operate electric scooters in the state. However, standard liability principles do apply, meaning operators are responsible for damages they cause. For shared scooter programs the operators typically carry liability insurance.

Local Exceptions to State Law

Illinois’s municipal authorization system creates significant variation across the state:

Chicago: Has implemented comprehensive scooter sharing programs with detailed regulations. The city has conducted multiple pilot programs and now operates permanent shared scooter programs with Lime, Spin, and Superpedestrian.

Springfield: Generally follows state guidelines but has specific restrictions in the downtown historic district.

Rockford: Has implemented basic electric scooter regulations allowing operation where bicycles are permitted.

Peoria: Allows them on designated bike paths and trails with speed restrictions in certain areas.

Naperville: Has strict parking requirements and restrictions in certain business districts.

Aurora: Generally allows electric scooters but requires compliance with bicycle traffic laws.

Joliet: Has implemented pilot programs for shared scooters with specific operational zones.

Elgin: Allows electric scooters on bike paths but prohibits sidewalk riding in commercial areas.

Waukegan: Has basic regulations allowing electric scooters where bicycles are permitted.

Champaign: Near the University of Illinois campus, has specific regulations during game days and special events.

Special Circumstances

University areas: University of Illinois campuses and other state universities may have specific policies that differ from municipal regulations.

State parks: Illinois Department of Natural Resources has its own rules for electric scooters on state property.

Tourist areas: Cities with significant tourism may have seasonal restrictions or special event limitations.

FAQs

Does Illinois law apply to my electric scooter? Only if your scooter meets the “low-speed electric scooter” definition (15 mph max, 750 watts max). Faster scooters remain unregulated at the state level.

Do I need a license for any electric scooter in Illinois? No license required for low-speed(15 mph) electric scooters.

Can I ride on sidewalks? Only where specifically authorized by municipal ordinance. The state law doesn’t automatically allow sidewalk riding.

What about bike paths and trails? Most cities allow riding on bike paths, but not all trails allow electric scooters.

Do I need helmet? Electric scooter riders under 18 years of age are obligated to always wear a helmet while riding.

Resources & Citations

• Illinois Public Act 103-0899
• Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/1-1
• Chicago Municipal Code Chapter 9-103 Scooter Sharing
• Chicago Department of Transportation – Scooter Sharing
• Municipal codes for individual cities (varies by jurisdiction)

Staying Up To Date

Get The Latest Municipal Updates: Illinois’s municipal regulation system means staying informed about local changes is crucial. Sign up for our newsletter to track updates as Illinois communities implement the new state framework, or regularly check our state-by-state electric scooter laws page.

Ride Junkie’s Final Words Of Non-Legal Wisdom

Illinois’s approach to electric scooter regulation reflects the political reality of getting something passed rather than getting it right the first time. The new law is better than the regulatory vacuum that existed before, but the low maximum allowed speed leaves much to ask.

The municipal authorization requirement means that even with state-level recognition, where you can ride still falls on the local jurisdiction. Some communities will embrace the new framework and create permissive regulations.

The technical limitations that define “low-speed electric scooters” are particularly frustrating. Most of the popular electric scooters on the market exceed the 15 mph limit, which means they’re de facto illegal. This creates a weird situation where cheaper, lower-performance scooters have better legal standing than higher-quality rides. Luckily we got the speed modes on most scooters and the 750W power limit is sufficient even for steeper climbs.

Long term, Illinois will probably need to revisit this legislation as electric scooter technology continues to evolve and communities gain more experience with these devices. The current law feels like a decent first step rather than a final solution.

Legal Disclaimer: We’re mechanics and riders, not attorneys. This guide summarizes Illinois’s new electric scooter regulations and municipal variations for educational purposes only. It is not to be taken as legal advice.