E-Bikes and E-Scooters

The Village of Winnetka regulates the use of e-bikes, e-scooters, e-dirt bikes, and other motor-driven vehicles with the goal of sidewalk and roadway safety for all residents. These regulations apply to all village-owned or village-maintained property. Violations may result in a fine of $100 for both the operator and the parent/legal guardian (if applicable).

Please remember:

  • Any person operating a device on a public road or public sidewalk must follow the rules of the road, including traveling below the posted speed limit.
  • It is illegal to operate a vehicle with more passengers than the number it is designed/equipped for.
  • It is illegal to modify a device from its original design to change its speed, method of propulsion or braking, or to remove pedals, chains, or add a throttle.
  • All individuals riding e-bikes must wear a helmet at all times.
  • The person operating the device must be able to keep both hands on the handlebars/steering device at all times.

If you have questions about the classification of a device, please call the Winnetka Police Department at 847-501-6034.

Graphic depicting restrictions on E-bikes, e-scooters, and other motor vehicles

Definitions:

Low-speed electric bicycle: A bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets the requirements of one of the following classes, as defined in 625 ILCS 5/1-140.10: Class 1 low-speed electric bicycle, Class 2 low-speed electric bicycle, or Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle.

  • Class 1 low-speed electric bicycle: 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: 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: 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.

Electric scooter: A device weighing less than 100 pounds, with two or three wheels, handlebars, and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding, that is solely powered by an electric motor and human power.  Electric scooters include both low-speed electric scooters as well as electric scooters with maximum speeds in excess of 10 miles per hour.  

Electric dirt bike: A motor driven cycle that contains an electric motor of more than 750 watts that is required to have title and registration and be operated with a valid driver’s license. 

Motor driven vehicle: Any vehicle for which the State of Illinois does not issue a title document, does not issue license plates or registration documents, and is a wheeled or tracked vehicle equipped with an electric or gas motor, motor driven cycle, or other similar vehicle, regardless of whether the vehicle is operated by pedals with a chain or throttle assist, including electric scooters, but not including electric bicycles. 

Personal mobility device: Any self-propelled vehicle, including a three-wheeled vehicle, designed for and used by a person with disabilities, that is incapable of a speed in excess of eight miles per hour on level ground. 

Toy vehicle: Any battery powered ride on toy that is designed to not exceed 10 miles per hour; that includes any number of wheels, handlebars, steering wheel, seat, or platform; and is designed for children under the age of eight years (including Razor® kick start scooters and Power Wheels™).