Things To Do on an eBike in Winnebago County, IL
The Rockford Park District allows Class 1 and Class 2 eBikes on its designated recreation and multi-use paths, which include the 10-mile Rock River Recreation Path and the 14.9-mile Perryville Path. Out in the county, two long rail-trails head for the countryside: the Pecatonica Prairie Trail west to Pecatonica and the Stone Bridge Trail north of Roscoe.
Illinois law changes on January 1, 2027, when riders of Class 1 and Class 2 eBikes must be 15 or older. Forest preserve paths follow their own posted bicycle rules, covered below.
Where to ride in Winnebago County
The Rockford Park District lists its major paths and the partner paths it helps run, many of them part of the 525-mile Grand Illinois Trail. The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County permit bicycles only on paved paths and roads in their preserves. Paths in Rockford are mostly asphalt; the rural rail-trails are mostly crushed stone.
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Rock River Recreation Path, Rockford to Loves Park
Route: The Rockford Park District lists it as a 10.0-mile path along the Rock River north from Davis Park to the Machesney Park Mall area. TrailLink says it follows the east bank through Shorewood Park and Martin Memorial Park, crosses the river at E. Riverside Boulevard, and loops 0.75 mile around the Sportscore One fields.
Breaks: Some segments are joined by short road links, including one at Illinois Street. Follow the signed street route rather than riding the sidewalk, which Illinois law bars for eBikes.
2. Perryville Path, Rockford to Rock Cut State Park
The Rockford Park District lists this partner path at 14.9 miles, following Perryville north from Home Depot to Rock Cut State Park. TrailLink describes asphalt through residential and shopping areas, past the Midway Village Museum Loop and the CherryVale Mall area, with a link to the Willow Creek Path, a 1.57-mile path to Harlem High School. The north end enters Rock Cut State Park, a state park, so check posted rules there.
3. Mel Anderson Memorial Path, Rockford
The Rockford Park District lists 3.0 miles along Kent Creek between Talcott-Page and Lockwood parks. TrailLink says it also passes Searls and Bressler parks, with parking at Searls Park, 4950 Safford Rd., and Talcott-Page Park, 1010 Arthur Ave., where drinking water and toilets are open in the warmer months.
4. Kishwaukee River Recreation Path, Cherry Valley
The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County name this paved path as one of the places bicycles are permitted. TrailLink lists 2.5 miles of asphalt between Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve and Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve, crossing the river twice as it drops into the valley and climbs out. Parking is at the south trailhead and at the Blackhawk Springs entrance on Mulford Road.
5. Pecatonica Prairie Trail, Rockford to Pecatonica
TrailLink lists a 14.3-mile rail-trail from the west edge of Rockford to N. Farwell Bridge Road west of Pecatonica, mostly crushed limestone and paved through the villages of Winnebago and Pecatonica. It follows the old Chicago and North Western right-of-way, now owned by Commonwealth Edison for power lines. Park at Sumner Park in Pecatonica off W. 1st Street. We did not find a published eBike rule from the trail manager, so read the posted signs at the trailhead.
6. Stone Bridge Trail, Roscoe
TrailLink lists 5.8 miles of crushed stone from E. Rockton Rd. in Roscoe to McMichael Rd. at the Boone County line. It crosses South Kinnikinnick Creek on a double-arch stone bridge built in 1882 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, then joins the paved Long Prairie Trail. Park at Roland Olson Forest Preserve, 9669 Atwood Rd. As with the Pecatonica trail, check the posted signs for eBike rules.
Illinois eBike laws and local path rules
Under 625 ILCS 5/11-1517 as it reads now, a low-speed eBike may use any bicycle path unless the municipality, county or local authority in charge bans eBikes or a class of them there. eBikes may not be ridden on sidewalks, and Class 3 riders must be 16 or older.
P.A. 104-854 takes effect January 1, 2027. It sets a minimum age of 15 for Class 1 and Class 2 riders and lets park districts and forest preserve districts regulate eBikes on bike paths under their control by ordinance or resolution.
Rockford Park District: Class 1 and Class 2 eBikes are allowed on designated recreation and multi-use paths; riders must follow speed limits, yield to others and stay off restricted areas. Forest Preserves of Winnebago County: bicycles are permitted on the paved Kishwaukee River Recreation Path, the paved path at Headquarters Forest Preserve and paved preserve roads. Riding off pavement, including on hiking and equestrian trails, is not permitted.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Ride the Kishwaukee River Recreation Path from the south trailhead to Blackhawk Springs and back, about 5 miles with two river crossings.
Full day: Ride the Rock River Recreation Path from Davis Park north toward Loves Park, following the signed road links, then return along the river.
What not to ride in Winnebago County
Sidewalks. Illinois law bars eBikes from them, including at the road links on the Rock River path.
Forest preserve hiking and equestrian trails. The Forest Preserves do not allow bicycles off pavement.
A Class 3 eBike on Rockford Park District paths. The district names only Class 1 and Class 2 as allowed, so ask the district before riding a Class 3.
When to ride Winnebago County
The Mel Anderson path's park restrooms and water are open in the warmer months, which is the easiest season for Rockford riding. The Pecatonica Prairie and Stone Bridge trails are mostly crushed stone, while the Rock River, Perryville and Kishwaukee paths are asphalt.
eBike shops
The cards below list Kegel's Bicycle Store in Rockford, Trek Bicycle Rockford on N. Perryville Rd. in Loves Park, and The Bicycle Hub on Main St. in Pecatonica, a Pecatonica Prairie Trail town. Call to ask about eBike sales and service.
- eBike shops in Rockford
- eBike shops in Loves Park
- eBike shops in Pecatonica
- eBike shops in Roscoe
- eBike shops in Machesney Park
Frequently asked questions
Are eBikes allowed on Rockford Park District paths?
Yes, Class 1 and Class 2. The district says they are allowed on designated recreation and multi-use paths, and riders must follow speed limits, yield to others and stay off restricted areas.
How long is the Rock River Recreation Path?
The Rockford Park District lists 10.0 miles along the Rock River from Davis Park north to the Machesney Park Mall area, with some segments joined by short road links.
Can I ride an eBike in Winnebago County forest preserves?
The Forest Preserves permit bicycles on the paved Kishwaukee River Recreation Path, the paved Headquarters path and paved roads, and bar riding off pavement. Their posted rules do not mention eBikes, so check signs before you ride.
Can I ride an eBike on the sidewalk in Illinois?
No. 625 ILCS 5/11-1517 says a low-speed electric bicycle may not be operated on a sidewalk.
What age do you have to be to ride an eBike in Illinois?
Class 3 riders must be 16 or older now. From January 1, 2027, P.A. 104-854 also sets a minimum age of 15 for Class 1 and Class 2.
How long is the Pecatonica Prairie Trail?
TrailLink lists 14.3 miles from the west edge of Rockford to N. Farwell Bridge Road west of Pecatonica, mostly crushed limestone and paved through Winnebago and Pecatonica.
Where is the stone bridge on the Stone Bridge Trail?
The double-arch bridge, built in 1882 and on the National Register of Historic Places, carries the trail over South Kinnikinnick Creek on the 5.8-mile route from Roscoe to the Boone County line.
All eBike shops in Winnebago County
See the Winnebago County eBike shops page for the full directory, and our Illinois eBike laws guide for state rules.