Hitting the brakes: Why new law puts restrictions on e-bikes, e-scooters for younger riders

A new state law intended to reduce injuries and deaths related to e-bikes and e-scooters by setting age restrictions along with other regulations is scheduled to go live Jan. 1.

Here’s a look at the science behind Bill 3484, which awaits Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature.

One change requires that cyclists be at least 15 years old to operate so-called low-speed Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on public roads.

Another provision mandates that riders be at least 16 years old to use micromobility transport such as electric scooters, skateboards or unicycles on public roads.

In both cases, the law does not restrict use on private property, the Illinois secretary of state’s office said.

“E-bikes, e-motos, electric scooters, skateboards and even electric unicycles are transforming how people get around,” Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said during a recent briefing at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.

The downside is “some of these devices have become faster, more powerful and more dangerous than we could have ever have imagined,” added Giannoulias, who spearheaded the legislation.

One March 2026 study shows a 300% spike in e-bike crashes involving children from 2019 to 2023.

Lurie’s Dr. Kristine Cieslak also reported a “dramatic increase” in patients suffering injuries from e-bike and e-scooter accidents as compared to traditional models over the last five years.

Instead of cuts and scrapes, bruises and simple fractures, physicians are now treating complex collarbone, elbow and forearm fractures as well as serious head trauma, she explained.

“We’re also seeing a lot of facial and dental injuries. Kids go over the handlebars, they hit their face, teeth are knocked out.”

The reason for the severity is “simple physics,” said Cieslak, Lurie’s pediatric emergency medicine section chief. “The faster you ride, the harder you’re going to fall, and the less time that you have to react.”

The primary high-risk group is males aged 13 to 18, with 80% of severe e-bike injuries occurring in males, according to national data. Boys aged 10 to 13 are also at a high risk of being hurt because “they lack the traffic experience and physical strength to control heavy e-bikes,” Cieslak said.

She recalled a 12-year-old who received an e-scooter for his birthday and crashed it on the first ride, resulting in a serious head injury.

“Parents and children alike really do not understand how fast these vehicles can travel, until something happens,” Cieslak said.

What else to know about Bill 3484?

• Class 1 e-bikes require riders to pedal to accelerate, while Class 2 e-bikes have throttles. Both have top speeds of 20 mph.

• Class 3 e-bikes require pedaling and have a top speed of 28 mph; operators will have to be at least 16.

• Battery-powered toy cars will be permitted on sidewalks and bike paths with no age restrictions.

• High-speed electric bikes and electric motor bikes will be treated as regular vehicles, meaning operators are required to have a driver’s license and insurance. They are also prohibited from using bike lanes or trails and sidewalks.

• The policy creates “consistent statewide rules for electric mobility devices,” the secretary of state’s office said, and replaces a hodgepodge of local ordinances, some of which had set age restrictions.

However, “park districts and forest preserve districts still have the authority to decide what is allowed on the bike paths and trails they oversee, including setting speed limits or restricting certain devices,” officials noted.

• What should parents do when considering buying an e-bike or e-scooter for their child?

“The message for parents is that they need to take an active role in being aware of the new laws and to enforce those laws with their children,” Cieslak said.

“Parents should be looking at the devices, how fast each can travel and then consider their child’s age, development, judgment and skill level to determine the proper fit for their individual child. For some children, that will remain manual-powered scooters and bikes.”

She also recommend helmet use.

For more information, AAA offers a parent guide.

Got a comment or question? Drop an email to mpyke@dailyherald.com.