Yes, if you ride a scooter in Illinois, you generally need insurance to stay legal and protected. Illinois law mandates at least basic liability coverage for any motor-driven cycle (including scooters and mopeds) operated on public roads.
Without insurance, you can face fines of $500 or more and a suspended license plate if you’re caught. Even if certain smaller vehicles (like low-powered mopeds or electric scooters) are not explicitly required to carry insurance, it is highly recommended for your financial protection.
For help finding affordable scooter insurance in Illinois, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060 today.
What Types of Scooters Need Insurance in Illinois?
In Illinois, almost any scooter or moped that is street-legal and registered for road use must carry insurance. This includes both gas-powered and electric motor scooters. Below is a breakdown of common two-wheeled vehicles and whether you need insurance:
50cc Mopeds and Low-Power Scooters
Yes, liability insurance is required. In Illinois, any vehicle with an engine ≤50cc and a top speed around 30 mph is considered a moped. These must be registered and insured, just like larger scooters.
Motor-Driven Cycles (Scooters Up to 150cc)
Yes, insurance is required. Scooters with engines between 50cc and 149cc fall under Illinois’ motor-driven cycle category. They must be registered and insured with at least the state-minimum liability coverage.
Motorcycles (Engine >150cc)
Yes, insurance is required. If your scooter has an engine over 150cc, it’s classified as a motorcycle in Illinois and requires insurance as per the state’s motorcycle regulations.
Electric Kick Scooters (Stand-Up E-Scooters)
No insurance required by state law. Small electric scooters like those rented via Bird or Lime don’t require insurance or registration in Illinois. However, for personal liability protection, consider coverage options.
Electric Bicycles (E-Bikes)
No insurance needed. E-bikes with motors under 750W and functional pedals are classified as bicycles, not motor vehicles, and don’t require registration or insurance.
In summary, if your scooter or moped has a license plate and operates on public roads in Illinois, insurance is required. The only exceptions are low-powered electric scooters and e-bikes that aren’t registered as motor vehicles. When in doubt, it’s best to insure your scooter for legal and financial peace of mind.
Legal Requirements: Moped vs. E-Scooter vs. 50cc+ Scooters in Illinois
Illinois classifies mopeds, scooters, and motorcycles based on engine size, and the requirements for insurance, licensing, and registration vary accordingly:
Mopeds (≤50cc Engines)
Mopeds in Illinois must meet specific criteria to be considered a moped. These include an engine size of ≤50cc and a top speed of 20–30 mph. A regular driver’s license (Class D) is sufficient for operating a moped, but insurance is still required.
Scooters / Motor-Driven Cycles (<150cc)
Scooters with engines between 50cc and 149cc are classified as motor-driven cycles under Illinois law. These require a Class L motorcycle license, registration, and insurance. Eye protection and proper lighting are also mandatory.
Motorcycles (150cc+)
Motorcycles with engines over 150cc are required to have a Class M motorcycle license and insurance, with higher limits often recommended.
Electric Scooters (Stand-Up)
Electric kick scooters do not require insurance or registration under Illinois law, though some cities may have additional regulations. Consider personal liability protection as a precaution.
What Does Scooter Insurance Typically Cover?
A standard scooter insurance policy will cover several important aspects of protection:
Liability Insurance
This is required by law and covers damage or injuries you cause to others. For example, if you crash your scooter into another car, liability insurance will cover their property damage and medical bills. It does not cover your own scooter’s damage or your injuries.
Collision Coverage
This optional coverage pays for damage to your own scooter if you crash, whether it’s into another vehicle or a stationary object. It’s beneficial for ensuring that your scooter is repaired or replaced if you’re at fault.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage pays for non-collision damage, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or weather-related incidents. This is especially useful in urban areas where scooters are more likely to be stolen.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
This coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver who either has no insurance or not enough to cover your damages. It’s highly recommended for additional peace of mind, especially since scooter riders are more vulnerable on the road.
Medical Payments (MedPay) / Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
MedPay helps pay for medical bills if you or your passenger are injured, regardless of fault. PIP offers more comprehensive protection, covering things like lost income or rehabilitation costs.
Optional Coverage Add-Ons
Other optional coverages include roadside assistance (towing, tire changes), rental reimbursement (if your scooter is in the shop), and custom parts coverage (for modified scooters).
How Much Does Scooter Insurance Cost?
Scooter insurance is generally quite affordable, often cheaper than motorcycle or car insurance. The exact cost depends on several factors:
Engine Size & Scooter Type
Smaller scooters (e.g., 50cc mopeds) tend to have lower premiums than larger scooters or motorcycles (e.g., 150cc models). High-performance scooters, such as a Vespa GTS 300, may have higher premiums due to their value and theft risk.
Location
Living in a city like Chicago, where traffic and theft risks are higher, can lead to higher premiums compared to rural areas. Cities often see more accidents and higher theft rates, which increases the cost of insurance.
Age and Riding Experience
Younger or less experienced riders often face higher premiums due to the increased risk of accidents. If you are a new rider or under 25, you might pay more than a seasoned rider with a clean record.
Driving Record
If you have a history of accidents or traffic violations, expect higher insurance costs. On the flip side, maintaining a clean driving record can earn you discounts.
Coverage Choices and Deductibles
The more coverage you choose, the higher the premium. Opting for full coverage with low deductibles will raise your insurance cost compared to basic liability coverage.
Discounts
Many insurers offer discounts for things like bundling with other policies, completing a motorcycle safety course, or paying annually rather than monthly.
On average, scooter insurance in Illinois ranges from $100 to $300 per year, with liability-only policies starting as low as $75 to $100 per year.
Tips for Getting Affordable Scooter Insurance in Illinois
Here are some ways to reduce your scooter insurance premiums:
- Compare Quotes: Shop around and get quotes from multiple insurers. Prices can vary significantly.
- Bundle Policies: Consider bundling your scooter insurance with your car or home insurance for a discount.
- Take a Safety Course: Completing a motorcycle safety course can lower your premium by 5–15%.
- Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Avoid accidents and traffic tickets to keep your rates low.
- Adjust Coverage and Deductibles: Choose higher deductibles or reduce unnecessary coverage to save on premiums.
- Ask About Discounts: Inquire about available discounts, such as for anti-theft devices or good driving habits.
FAQs About Scooter Insurance
Q: Do I need insurance for a scooter in Illinois?
A: Yes, if your scooter is street-legal, it must have liability insurance at a minimum. Electric scooters and e-bikes may be exceptions, but it’s wise to consider coverage.
Q: What does scooter insurance cover?
A: Scooter insurance typically covers liability (damage you cause to others), collision, comprehensive damage, medical bills, and uninsured motorist coverage.
Q: How much does scooter insurance cost on average?
A: Scooter insurance typically ranges from $100 to $300 per year, depending on factors like engine size, location, and coverage options.
Q: Do I need insurance for an electric scooter?
A: Insurance is not required for small electric kick scooters under Illinois law. However, consider personal liability coverage, especially if you ride in traffic or at higher speeds.
Q: What license do I need to drive a scooter in Illinois?
A: If your scooter has a 50cc engine or below, a regular driver’s license (Class D) is sufficient. For scooters above 50cc, you need a Class L or M motorcycle license.
Q: Where can I get scooter insurance?
A: You can get scooter insurance from major providers like Progressive, GEICO, State Farm, or from specialized insurers.
Get a Quote Today!
Ready to get scooter insurance or have more questions? Call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060, or get a fast, free quote online. Our agents will compare rates from multiple carriers to help you find the best deal. Protect your scooter and stay legal on the road today!