Electric Biking in Chicago: An Updated 2024 City Guide

Chicago is a large city with diverse neighborhoods, some areas may have more e-bike usage than others depending on factors such as bike lanes, population density, and cultural preference. But overall, the electric bike scene in Chicago is growing and becoming more popular.

Chicago has been working to improve its bike infrastructure by adding more dedicated bike lanes and offering bike-share programs with electric bikes. Our guide to electric biking in Chicago is a great start for anyone looking to ride in the city.

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Chicago's Best Electric Bike Trails

Chicago offers several excellent electric bike trails that allow riders to explore the city's diverse neighborhoods and enjoy its beautiful waterfront. Here are some of the best electric bike trails in Chicago:

Lakefront Trail

The Lakefront Trail is one of Chicago's most iconic trails, running along the shores of Lake Michigan for approximately 18 miles. It offers stunning views of the lake, the city skyline, and numerous parks and beaches. The trail is mostly paved and provides easy access to popular destinations like Navy Pier, Grant Park, and the Museum Campus.

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The 606

Formerly an elevated railway line, the 606 is now a popular recreational trail that spans 2.7 miles through four neighborhoods: Bucktown, Wicker Park, Logan Square, and Humboldt Park. This elevated trail offers a unique perspective of the city and features artwork, gardens, and community spaces along the route.

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North Branch Trail

The North Branch Trail is a scenic trail that winds through forested areas and parks along the North Branch of the Chicago River. While the entire trail stretches for about 20 miles, the section from Devon Avenue to Caldwell Woods is particularly picturesque. The trail is mostly paved and offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

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Calumet-Sag Trail

The Calumet-Sag Trail is a developing trail system that will eventually span approximately 26 miles around the Calumet-Sag Channel in the southern part of Chicago. Although some sections are still under construction, portions of the trail are open and accessible. This trail provides an opportunity to explore the city's industrial and natural landscapes.

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Burnham Greenway

The Burnham Greenway is a trail system that spans several south suburbs of Chicago, offering over 30 miles of interconnected paths. The trail winds through forest preserves, parks, and residential areas, providing a mix of natural beauty and urban scenery.‍

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Chicago's E-Bike Rules and Regulations

Safety Equipment: E-bikes must have reflectors and lights when riding at night.
Road Rules: Chicago follows the state rules for electric bikes given by the state of Illinois. They are treated almost identically to traditional bikes.
Bike Specifications: Electric bikes in Chicago can't have a motor above 750 watts.
Where to Ride: Electric bikes are not allowed on sidewalks but Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted in all of the same places that bicycles are including bike trails and the right lane on the road. Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on a lot of bike paths or trails.
Age Restrictions: Must be at least 16 years old to use a Class 3 e-bike.
Administrative Regulations: Electric bike riders do not require a specific license, registration, or insurance.

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Electric Bike Infrastructure in Chicago

Chicago has a large network of bike lanes, trails, and paths that cyclists can use, including the Lakefront Trail, which runs along the shores of Lake Michigan. The city also has the 606, which is an elevated trail built on an old rail line that runs for 2.7 miles in the northwest part of the city.

There are areas where the infrastructure for cyclists is definitely lacking or neglected. In those circumstances, electric bike users will need to share the road with cars and other vehicles.

Overall, it seems that the cycling infrastructure in Chicago is improving, but it still varies depending on the location. It's always recommended to check for bike lanes and paths before choosing where to ride and to use caution when forced to share the road with other vehicles.

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Chicago Electric Bike Tours

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Chicago's Best Electric Bike Shops

Chicago has a rich history of cycling and has some of the best cycle shops in the country. Here are some popular electric bike shops in Chicago that you may want to check out.

Kozy's

Kozy's has been in business in Chicago for over 75 years. They offer all types of electric bikes including commuter e-bikes, folding e-bikes, and more specialized types of e-bikes. They carry many of the top electric bike brands including Electra and Biria. They are one of the best places in the city to come for a bike repair. They also offer financing solutions for more expensive electric bikes.

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Village Cycle Center

Located in Old Town, Village Cycle is a huge cycling retailer. They offer one of the most comprehensive selections of electric bikes. It is a great spot to pick up any specialty cycling gear or apparel that you might need as well.

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Earth Rider Cycling

Earth Rider Cycling is one of the best electric bike shops in the entire city. They specialize in electric bikes and are one of the best places to go if you want to choose from a wide selection of brands with the guidance of knowledgeable staff. Earth Rider also offers rentals and service that is hard to beat.

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Renting an Electric Bike in Chicago

There are many specialty services and tours downtown that cater to this demand that is only growing by the year. If you are a tourist and staying in a hotel, it is very likely that they will have some e-bike rental options as well.

Divvy Bikes is Chicago's very successful bike-sharing program. They offer electric bikes as part of their fleet. You can rent an e-bike by the hour or by the day and use it to explore the city.

Bike and Roll has e-bike rental options in Chicago that are perfect for a day of cruising around the waterfront.

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