Electric Scooter & E-Bike Regulations

The Village of Lincolnwood regulates the use of motorized vehicles in public spaces to promote pedestrian safety and responsible use of shared areas. Village ordinances and Illinois state law outline where you can ride, what types of devices are allowed, and who is exempt from certain rules. Use the chart below for a quick overview, and read on for more details.

Where Can You Ride in Lincolnwood?

Motorized Vehicles Chart 1

Motorized Vehicles

Motor-Driven Scooter 

Any electric or gas-driven wheeled scooter, all-terrain vehicle, go-cart, minibike, motorized skateboard, off-road motorcycle, or other similar motor-driven vehicle for which the State of Illinois does not issue a title document and does not issue license plates or registration documents.

No person may operate a motor-driven scooter on any public street, sidewalk, parking lot, bike path, park, or any other public property within the Village. Operation is also prohibited on private property without the express consent of the property owner.

This restriction does not apply to:

  • Authorized government personnel using scooters for official duties

  • Mobility devices (such as motorized wheelchairs) used by individuals with disabilities

  • Segways operated safely and without interfering with pedestrian traffic, at speeds not exceeding 10 miles per hour

  • Scooters used in parades permitted by the Village

For more details, you can view Village Code - Section 7-3-4 here Version Options Electric Scooter & E-Bike Regulations Headline.

Low-Speed Electric Bicycles

Low-speed electric bicycles (commonly referred to as e-bikes) are regulated under the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-1517) and are generally treated the same as traditional bicycles, with distinctions based on classification.

All low-speed electric bicycles must:

  • Have a permanent label showing class number (1, 2, or 3), top assisted speed, and motor wattage

  • Not be tampered with to change speed or motor output without updating the label

  • Include a speedometer (Class 3 only)

E-bikes in Illinois fall into three categories:

  • Class 1: Assists only while pedaling; stops at 20 mph

  • Class 2: Can propel without pedaling; stops at 20 mph or when braking

  • Class 3: Assists only while pedaling; stops at 28 mph; rider must be at least 16 years old

E-bikes may not be operated on sidewalks.

They may be used:

  • On streets, roads, and bike lanes where bicycles are permitted

  • On bike paths, unless restricted by local authorities

  • By individuals aged 16 or older when operating a Class 3 e-bike (passengers under 16 are allowed if the bike is designed to carry them)

For more details, you can view the full Illinois Vehicle Code – 625 ILCS 5/11-1517 statute here:

Questions? 

Please contact the Lincolnwood Police Department at 847-673-2167 or the Parks & Recreation Department at 847-677-9740.