E-Bikes: Information, and Club Policy
last updated: June 25, 2025
For questions on, or changes to, this help page, contact: Webmaster@ElmhurstBicycling.org
Introduction
The rapidly increasing technology, pervasiveness and acceptance of electrically-motorized bicycles is an issue that will only grow with the future. The EBC will, on this page, set forth some information and agreed-upon club policy for the usage of these vehicles. We expect that this page will evolve steadily as the technology evolves, and our club will try to proactively keep pace and meet any issues associated with these bicycles head on. Look for relatively frequent updates to this page.
Education & the Inherited Laws
E-Bike / eBike Definition
An electric bicycle (e-bike, eBike, eMTB, etc.) is a motorized bicycle with an integrated electric motor used to assist propulsion. Many kinds of e-bikes are available worldwide, but they generally fall into two broad categories: bikes that assist the rider's pedal-power (i.e. pedelecs) and bikes that add a throttle, integrating moped-style functionality. Both retain the ability to be pedaled by the rider and are therefore not electric motorcycles.
E-bikes use rechargeable batteries and typically travel up to 25 to 32 km/h (16 to 20 mph). High-powered varieties can often travel more than 45 km/h (28 mph). In some markets, such as Germany as of 2013, they are gaining in popularity and taking some market share away from conventional bicycles,[2] while in others, such as China as of 2010, they are replacing fossil fuel-powered mopeds and small motorcycles.[3][4]
Depending on local laws, many e-bikes (e.g., pedelecs) are legally classified as bicycles rather than mopeds or motorcycles. This exempts them from the more stringent laws regarding the certification and operation of more powerful two-wheelers which are often classed as electric motorcycles. E-bikes can also be defined separately and treated under distinct electric bicycle laws.
E-bikes are the electric motor-powered versions of motorized bicycles, which have been in use since the late 19th century. Some bicycle-sharing systems use them. {paraphrased from Wikipedia.com}
E-Bike Classifications (Illinois)
- Class 1: An e-bike equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.
- Class 2: An e-bike equipped with a throttle-actuated motor, that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.
- Class 3: An e-bike equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 28 mph.
Illinois' E-Bike Law
Local eMTB Law
All E-bikes regardless of class are not allowed on any single track at Palos Forest Preserves. This is by order of The Forest Preserve District of Cook County, which is the Land Manager with jurisdiction over the entire trail System. Violators have been given tickets that require a court appearance. Here is the link on the FPDCC Website: FPD E-bike Ban .
EBC-Specific E-Bike Policy
Elmhurst Bicycle Club has implemented the following policy and goals regarding the use of e-bikes on club rides by members and guests, effective March 27, 2025.
Policy:
- Throttle-only mode is not permitted for a sustained period of time (pedaling is required for movement at all times.).
- Ride Leaders have the right to exclude or restrict the use of e-bikes on their rides. All restrictions must be noted in the ride description posted on the club calendar, as well as in any club communication describing the ride.
- This policy does not supersede any state or local law restricting the usage of e-bikes.
Goals:
- Be as inclusive as possible.
- Some e-bikes may not be appropriate for some ride types or locations.
- The published policy does not override a Ride Leader's discretion to warn or remove a rider that is behaving in an unsafe fashion or whose equipment is deemed to be mechanically unsafe, or to otherwise make reasonable arrangements to safely accommodate e-bikes.