Illinois may soon require e-bike and e-scooter registration under new safety law

A new bill in Illinois could soon require registration for e-bikes, e-scooters, and other electric micromobility devices. Senate Bill 3336 passed unanimously in the state Senate and now heads to the House. The proposal follows a sharp rise in accidents involving these vehicles over the past three years. The legislation targets vehicles like e-bikes with power ratings between 750 and 8,000 watts, as well as e-scooters travelling under 28 mph. Toy vehicles and mobility aids are excluded from the rules. Under the bill, users must be at least 16, hold a driver’s licence, and register their devices with the DMV before use.

Operators would face the same DUI laws as other motorists. The vehicles could only be used on highways under 35 mph, streets, roads, bike lanes, and paths—never on sidewalks or interstate highways. Existing rules for low-powered motorised vehicles would remain unchanged. Fees for registration would match those for motorcycles: a one-time title and registration cost of $206, plus an annual renewal of $41. The bill has gained broad support, with 25 co-sponsors, including 11 Republicans, and is set for a House vote next week.

If approved, the law would take effect in 2025. The registration requirement aims to improve safety after a 300% increase in injuries and fatalities involving micromobility vehicles from 2019 to 2022. The DMV would oversee compliance and fee collection for all registered devices.