The change means that more cyclists are protected in the event of an accident
For decades, a bicycle has been reasonably easy to define, but that’s changing. The advent of e-bikes has governments all over the globe trying to figure out what’s what.
Some e-bikes essentially make commuting via bicycle achievable for those who couldn’t have done so in the past. On the other hand, some e-bikes appear to be hardcore dirt bikes disguised as a commuting tool. Now, Illinois is setting the record straight for its residents.
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Senate Bill 2285 became law in the state on August 1 and it aims to clarify what a ‘bicycle’ actually is under the Illinois Vehicle Code. In the past, a bike was defined as “every device propelled by human power upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels except scooters and similar devices.”
That might sound fine, but keep in mind that some might take that to mean that mopeds or high-powered e-dirt bikes are also included. It also excludes those who ride a bicycle with more than two wheels.
A Clearer Definition
The state and cycling advocacy groups wanted to clarify the law further. To that end, the new law says that a bicycle is “every human-powered or low-speed electric vehicle with two or more wheels not less than 12 inches in diameter, designed for the transportation of one or more persons.”
Essentially, everything that is human-powered, even e-bikes, are bicycles so long as they have a top speed of less than 30 mph and are capable of no more than 750 watts of power. It also expands the definition to include three or four-wheeled bicycles as well.
Why It Matters
Essentially, the law protects more cyclists and helps the state have the freedom to use the term bicycle more openly when discussing infrastructure plans. Now, planning a bicycle path or bike lane doesn’t require clarifying that it will only be accessible to traditional bicycles and ebikes. According to The State-Journal Register, it also makes insurance interactions easier since the law now clearly defines the term bicycle.
In terms of riding on roads, that will continue as it has in the past but now with riders who pilot bikes with more than two wheels. They’ll still have to follow the rules of the road like any other road user. Another bill, SB2111, is still in the process of becoming a law and would allow cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs.
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Stephen, affectionately known as Rivers, has gracefully transitioned from being a repair shop manager and… Read full bio

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