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Illinois legalises 40 mph e-bikes on streets with new licensing rules
Illinois has signed a sweeping new electric bicycle law that legalises high-powered e-bikes capable of 40 mph on public roads, but riders will need a licence, registration and insurance to use them.
By Edward Beaumont · 2 min read
Illinois has signed a sweeping new electric bicycle law that finally resolves a question hanging over the rapidly growing market for high-powered e-bikes: what to do with the 35 and 40 mph machines that do not fit the standard three-class system. Under the new legislation, these faster models are now street legal, but they come with a significant catch that sets them apart from conventional e-bikes.
The law creates a new category for high-speed electric bicycles, distinguishing them from the familiar Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes that cap out at 20 mph and 28 mph respectively. Riders of the faster machines will be treated more like motorists than cyclists: they must hold a valid driver's licence, register the vehicle with the state, and carry insurance. The requirements effectively place these powerful e-bikes in a legal middle ground between bicycles and motorcycles.
The move addresses a long-standing regulatory gap that has frustrated both consumers and retailers. As high-powered e-bikes have grown in popularity, buyers have faced confusion over where they could legally ride, with many models technically falling outside existing definitions. The new law gives clarity, but it also signals that the era of unregulated high-speed electric bicycles is coming to an end.
Supporters of the legislation argue that licensing and registration are sensible safeguards for vehicles that can reach motorway speeds. Critics, however, worry that the added bureaucracy could dampen demand for a category of bike that has thrived precisely because it offered an affordable, low-friction alternative to cars and motorcycles. Industry observers will be watching to see whether other states follow Illinois's lead or opt for a lighter-touch approach.
The law is part of a broader package of changes to Illinois's electric bicycle regulations, which also include updated equipment standards and new rules for riding on shared paths. For now, the headline change is clear: if you want to ride a 40 mph e-bike on Illinois streets, you will need more than just a helmet.
