In Illinois, different laws apply to people who ride scooters versus other types of motorized vehicles. If you ride a scooter on Chicago roads, it is important to be aware of these requirements so you can avoid potential penalties.
While you may follow these rules, accidents can still occur involving scooters. If you are injured while riding a scooter in Illinois, speak to a Chicago accident attorney as soon as possible about pursuing a claim against the at-fault party.
Under the Illinois Vehicle Code, an electric scooter is classified as a motor-driven cycle if it has between two to four wheels and an engine of less than 150 ccs. To ride one of these vehicles, you must obtain a Class L or a Class M license. To obtain this license, you must be at least 16 years old and complete a driver’s education and motorcycle safety training course.
You will also need to register and insure a scooter. You will need to obtain liability coverage, which pays for victims’ losses if you are responsible for a collision. The minimum amount of liability insurance is as follows:
Additionally, you must register the scooter with the state every year. If you live in Chicago, you must obtain a special registration sticker that allows you to ride your scooter on city roads. Failure to properly insure or register your vehicle can lead to fines and other penalties.
When riding a scooter in Illinois, you must follow all traffic laws and operate the vehicle safely. Unlike other types of vehicles, you cannot operate a scooter on a freeway or public road if the engine is 50ccs or smaller. You can drive on busier roads if the engine is 150ccs or higher.
You must also comply with the following requirements:
If you are injured in an Illinois scooter accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your collision, you could file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the party responsible for your accident. Multiple parties could be at fault, such as other drivers or even the manufacturers of defective scooters.
To file a successful scooter accident claim, you will need to prove that the at-fault party caused your collision and resulting injuries. The moments after your crash are critical for your future case, so take the following steps afterward to seek help and collect evidence.
Once you seek medical care, contact a Chicago personal injury lawyer as quickly as possible. Your attorney can help you understand your legal options and take your first steps toward filing a claim.