Illinoisans may soon need registration, title, license to use e-bikes, scooters

By Sean Reed | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Illinoisans may soon be required to register their e-bikes, motorized scooters and other various modes of transport with the DMV if a popular piece of legislation in Springfield passes.

Having bipartisan support, the Illinois Secretary of State said there would also be new regulations, age requirements, and fees associated with using the devices.

Senate Bill 3336, an initiative backed by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, would require a person to be at least 16 years old, licensed to drive, and to register certain electric micromobility devices with the state before they can legally be operated.

According to Giannoulias and lawmakers in favor of the bill, they are seeking regulation in response to a rise in accidents involving the various vehicles.

“The rise in serious crashes, injuries, and confusion about the law makes it clear that doing nothing is not an option. That’s why our bill is so critical. Nationwide, injuries and fatalities have soared an alarming 300% in just three years from 2019 to 2022,” Giannoulias said.

Vehicles that fall under the purview of the new law include e-bikes with a power rating between 750 and 8,000 watts, e-scooters, and any other electric-powered device primarily used for transportation and that moves under 28 mph.

Existing regulations for low-powered motorized vehicles will not be changed, according to the secretary.

The bill excludes toy vehicles and mobility assistance devices.

Sen. Darby A. Hills, R-Lake Zurich, said a death near her district involving a vehicle that would fall under the legislation is one of the reasons she is in support.

“We’re really happy that we were able to introduce this and be able to provide a uniform standard for the state of Illinois,” Hills said.

Giannoulias said DMV fees on the vehicles would essentially be the same cost as motorcycles and other motorized vehicles. The cost of a new title and registration for a motorcycle is currently $206, with an annual registration renewal fee of $41.

Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, said the bill is important to keep youth in the state safe.

“I saw an incident happen in March,” Villivalam said. “That type of example’s where we’re trying to make sure people are educated.”

Operations of the vehicles are restricted to highways with speed limits under 35 mph, streets and roads, and any bike lanes or paths, but cannot be driven on sidewalks or interstate highways. Operation will also be subject to DUI laws.

The measure passed the state Senate unanimously earlier this month, and is scheduled to be taken up by the House early next week. The bill has a total of 25 co-sponsors in the House, including 11 Republicans.