Below is a list of the common micromobility devices and a definition of how they are classified. There are a wide range of devices and identifying the correct type of device is important in determining where it can be used. With the increased popularity of such as devices, the City anticipates newer devices becoming available and the State law and local ordinances will need to be updated.
What is a micromobility device?
Micromobility devices include a broad range of lightweight, low-speed travel modes that serve as personal mobility and have a top assisted speed of 20 mph (Per Ride Illinois).
E-Bikes
Definition: A Bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets the requirements of the following classes:
- “Class 1 low-speed electric bicycle” means a Low-Speed Electric Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
- “Class 2 low-speed electric bicycle” means a Low-Speed Electric Bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
- “Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle” means a Low-Speed Electric Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour.
The chart below simplifies the three classes.
E-Motos
Definition: A 2- or 3-wheeled motor vehicle that is powered by an electric motor greater than 750 watts and is capable of achieving a speed greater than 20 miles per hour without pedaling. E-Motos are also known as “Out-of-Class Electric Vehicles.”
Other important points:
- E-motos are often confused with E-bikes but are actually much more powerful devices and classified separately.
- The State of Illinois does not currently classify E-motos in the Illinois Vehicle Code.
- The images below highlight different E-motos. Some brands or styles resemble traditional bicycles, while others are styled more like small motorcycles.
Low-Speed Gas Bicycle
Definition: A 2-wheeled or 3-wheeled device equipped with fully operable pedals and a gasoline motor of less than one horsepower of 15 cubic centimeter displacement that is operated at speeds of less than 20 miles per hour.
Low-Speed Electric Scooters
Definition: A device weighing less than 100 pounds, with 2 or 3 wheels, handlebars, and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding, that is powered by an electric motor and human power, and whose maximum speed, with or without human propulsion, is 10 miles per hour or more.
Other important points:
- Per state law, a person a must be at least 18 years of age and has a valid driver’s license to ride a high speed scooter (625 ILCS 5/11-1518).
- Per state law, a person may not operate a low-speed electric scooter on a highway with a posted speed limit in excess of 35 mph (625 ILCS 5/11-1518).
Slow-Speed Electric Scooters
A device weighing less than 100 pounds, with 2 or 3 wheels, handlebars, and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding, that is solely powered by an electric motor and human power, and whose maximum speed, with or without human propulsion, of 10 miles per hour or less.
Moped
Definition: A moped is a motor-driven cycle, with or without optional power derived from manually operated pedals, whose speed attainable in one mile is at least 20 mph and is equipped with a motor that produces 2 brake horsepower or less. If an internal combustion engine is used, the displacement shall not exceed 50 cubic centimeter displacement and the power drive system shall not require the operator to shift gears.
