Governor JB Pritzker signed SB 3484 into law as Public Act 104-0854, which establishes new regulations for high-speed electric bicycles and micromobility devices in Illinois. The rules take effect on January 1, 2027, and create a legal category for electric motor-driven cycles with nominal motor ratings between 750W and 8,000W.
Under the new legislation, high-speed e-bikes capable of reaching 35 to 40 mph must be registered, titled, and insured to operate on public roads. Riders are required to hold a valid driver’s license and are prohibited from using bicycle lanes, paths, or sidewalks. These vehicles are now classified similarly to motorcycles rather than low-speed electric bicycles.
The law mandates that vehicles must conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and possess a 17-digit vehicle identification number to be eligible for registration. Most existing high-speed e-bikes currently sold in the US lack the necessary manufacturer certification, documentation, and safety compliance labels required by the state to obtain a title.
While the law provides a theoretical path to legality for high-powered electric two-wheelers, the requirement for federal compliance poses a significant hurdle for current owners. Manufacturers would need to certify their products as motor vehicles, including proper VIN reporting and safety testing, to meet the new state requirements for highway use.