As a constituent, I urge you to support SB2285, a bill that will redefine a "bicycle" as “every human-powered or low-speed electric vehicle with 2 or more wheels not less than 12 inches in diameter, designed for the transportation of one or more persons.”

Why This is Needed

Presently, a person on a bicycle with more than two wheels (such as a trike or side-by-side tandem) cannot legally ride those vehicles on Illinois roads, as they are not captured by the definition of a bicycle under the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/1-106). Human or low-speed electric vehicles with more than two wheels have become more popular in recent years. Such vehicles offer the opportunity for individuals, including those with limited mobility or physical limitations, to

Upon Becoming Law SB2285 will:

• Legalize the use of trikes and similar vehicles on Illinois roads where two-wheeled bicycles are allowed
• Update the definition of a bicycle in Illinois to align with other Midwest states
• Better align the legal definition of a bicycle with products that are being produced by bicycle manufacturers
• Provide access to legal mobility options for individuals with limited mobility or physical limitation

How is a Bicycle Defined in Other States?

Illinois is the only state in the Midwest that specifically defines a bicycle as a vehicle with “two tandem wheels.” Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin include human-powered or low-speed electric vehicles with more than two wheels in their legal definition of a bicycle. This bill aligns Illinois law with neighboring states.

In conclusion, updating the legal definition of a bicycle has many benefits. Please vote YES on SB2285 when the bill is called for a vote in the Illinois House. Thank you!