Some Illinois e-bike riders will be required to purchase insurance starting in 2027 under a law signed by Gov. JB Prtizker this week.
The new law requires riders of e-bikes and electric motors traveling at speeds above 28 mph to have a driver’s license, title, registration and insurance. Illinois joins New Jersey as the only states that require high-seeded e-bikes to be insured.
According to Progressive, most states consider e-bikes to be in the same class of vehicles as bicycles, meaning riders don’t need to carry liability insurance. Illinois Senate Bill 3484 distinguishes between bicycles, low-speed e-bikes and high-power e-bikes.
“As these high-performance devices become faster and more common on our streets and sidewalks, the risks are too great to allow them to go unregulated and override public safety,” said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.
The increasing popularity of e-bikes in recent years has led to an increase in serious injuries. E-bikes have also led to a surge in claims involving battery-related fire risks, According to Velisk.
Illinois law prohibits e-bikes and micro-mobility devices such as e-scooters, e-skateboards and e-unicycles from operating on sidewalks and prohibits them from traveling faster than 28 mph on roads, bike lanes and bike lanes.
The law also establishes minimum age requirements for riders of electric micromobility devices.
The law takes effect on January 1, 2027.
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