Scooters, mopeds, e-scooters and low-speed vehicles all share Illinois roads, but each has its own license, age and equipment rules. Engine size decides which license a scooter rider needs.
Know the rule
Only motor-driven cycles and motorcycles properly titled and registered in Illinois may be ridden on Illinois roads. A scooter can be titled and registered if it has a federal safety certification label and a vehicle identification number (VIN).
Handbook p. 47 ↗Know the rule
Scooter and moped drivers must obey all signs, signals and traffic laws, and are subject to most bicycle laws.
Handbook p. 47 ↗Know the rule
A moped or scooter carrying two people must have a seat and a footrest for the passenger.
Handbook p. 47 ↗Know the rule
Driven at night, a moped or scooter needs a headlight visible from at least 500 feet and a rear taillight visible from at least 100-600 feet.
Handbook p. 47 ↗License needed
| Vehicle | License |
|---|---|
| Scooter under 150cc (motor-driven cycle) | Class L |
| Scooter 150cc or more (motorcycle) | Class M |
| Moped (max 50cc, no gear shifting) | Any valid Illinois license |
Low-speed electric scooter
Under 100 lbs, 2 or 3 wheels, handlebars and a standing floorboard. Powered only by an electric motor and human propulsion, with a top speed of 10 mph.
Handbook p. 47 ↗Low-speed electric scooter rules:
- No driver's license required; rider must be 18 or older
- Roadway, trail or sidewalk use only where the local municipality or park district permits
- Not allowed on any highway with a speed limit of 35 mph
- Needs a head lamp (visible up to 500 feet) and a red rear reflector or lamp
- Only one person may ride
Low-speed vehicle
A four-wheeled vehicle with a federal safety certification label and a VIN, with a maximum speed of 25 mph. It must be titled and registered like any other vehicle.
Handbook p. 48 ↗Know the rule
Low-speed vehicles may run on any street with a posted limit of 30 mph or less, unless the local municipality prohibits it.
Handbook p. 49 ↗Required equipment on a low-speed vehicle:
- Parking brake, steering wheel, tires and windshield
- Safety belts
- Rearview mirror plus an exterior mirror on the driver's side
- Red reflectors on each rear side and one in the middle
- Headlight visible for 500 feet from the front
- Red taillights visible for 100 feet from the rear
- Brake lights and front and rear turn signals
Put it into practice
Your friend buys a 125cc scooter. It counts as a motor-driven cycle, so to ride it on the road he needs a Class L license, and it must be titled and registered.