Hinsdale bans children from operating electric scooters, cracks down on e-bike violations, citing public safety
Share this @internewscast.com

Some suburbs are beginning to enforce stricter regulations on children who ride electric bikes and scooters, as part of efforts to prioritize public safety.

The village of Hinsdale is taking strict action by banning children from operating electric scooters.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

For many electric bikes, there are no age requirements. But, under state law, e-bikes need to have an output under 750 watts.

The penalties are high for those caught breaking the rules.

“An ordinance fine for a e-bike citation or scooter citation could be up to $750,” Hinsdale Police Deputy Chief Tom Lillie said.

Since the ordinance went into effect on May 5, the village of Hinsdale says they have given out 150 citations.

“We think it’s a ticking time bomb. Someone’s going to get hurt, seriously, if not die, if action isn’t taken,” Village President Greg Hart said.

According to Hart, there have been incidents where e-scooters or bikes have collided with cars, but fortunately, no injuries have been reported. He mentions that most of the riders using these electric devices are middle school students.

“I believe there is absolutely no justification for a child under 18 to be riding a vehicle capable of reaching 50 miles per hour, especially when many do so without a helmet,” stated Hart.

Officials believe the uptick in parents buying e-scooters and e-bikes is due to the financial cost going down.

RELATED: Segway recalls 220K scooters due to fall hazard after multiple injuries reported

“The abundance we have seen is because a bike that was, say, under $1,000 last year is now maybe $300 this year,” Lillie said.

Those unlawfully riding the devices not only face a fine, but just one conviction can prevent a pre-teen’s ability to get a driver’s license.

Hinsdale is not alone in their efforts. The village of Schaumburg set a minimum age of 16 for riders.

Local businesses are joining in, too, putting up not just signs, but their own version of barricades to halt kids from riding e-scooters and e-bikes in the area.

“You don’t have to ride your bike in the parking lot of a grocery store; go somewhere to an empty lot or something,” Kramer Foods Manager Michael Kinnavy said.

Kinnavy says kids riding e-bikes and e-scooters were putting his customers in danger at the Kramer Grocery Store in downtown Hinsdale. They put up grocery carts as barricades, but it might’ve heightened temptation.

“We do get some kids that are still kind of swerving in, more like a game now,” Kinnavy said.

And some parents are joining calls to put public safety first.

“You do have to keep an eye out, and just a matter of time for an accident happens with a pedestrian or a driver,” Hinsdale parent Tom Urban said.

Hinsdale is also making efforts to educate children on the potential risks of riding motorized bikes and scooters.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Man pulled into MRI machine while wearing metal chain in Long Island, New York

Long Island Incident: Man Gets Pulled Into MRI Machine Due to Metal Chain

WESTBURY, New York — A man was magnetically pulled into an MRI…
Kim Jong Un and his daughter on a beach with a city in the background.

North Korea Shuts Down New Tourist Resort to Foreigners Shortly After Launching, After Years of Delays

In an unexpected move, North Korea has stopped allowing foreign tourists into…
North Korea bans foreign tourists to newly opened beach resort

North Korea Prohibits Foreign Tourists at Newly Opened Beach Resort

North Korea is prohibiting the entry of foreign visitors to a newly…
Phillie Phanatic hilariously recreates viral Coldplay kiss cam scandal

Phillie Phanatic Amusingly Mimics Viral Coldplay Kiss Cam Incident

The Phillies delivered their take on the story that won’t die. They…
Photo of a mother and son, both wearing Boy Scouts of America uniforms.

Mother Leaves Handwritten Notes While Seeking Help in the Forest After Stranding with 9-Year-Old Son

A MOM and her 9-year-old son have been saved from a remote…
Portrait of Tzipi Hotovely, Ambassador of Israel to the United Kingdom.

Israel’s Ambassador to Britain Expresses Distrust in BBC News Chief Over Comments on Hamas

ISRAEL’S ambassador to Britain says she has “no confidence” in the BBC’s…
Missing mom's convicted killer claims boyfriend tainted his trial

Convicted Killer of Missing Mom Alleges Boyfriend Influenced Trial Outcome

One of the three men convicted in the mysterious death of a…
Mets will have to wait at least another week for Jesse Winker

Mets Will Need to Wait Another Week for Jesse Winker’s Return

The Mets will be without Jesse Winker at least a while longer. …
Raymond Boodarian charged after 'American Idol' music supervisor Robin Kaye, husband Thomas Deluca found dead at LA home

Raymond Boodarian Arrested Following Deaths of ‘American Idol’ Music Supervisor Robin Kaye and Husband Thomas Deluca in Los Angeles Home

ENCINO, LOS ANGELES — Legal proceedings began on Thursday against the individual…
Fowl play: Florida woman charged after allegedly spraying mace at driver who struck chicken crossing the road

Chicken Crossings Turn Chaotic: Florida Woman Faces Charges for Macing Driver Who Hit Bird

A woman from Florida is now facing charges after causing quite a…
Grandmother with three grandsons sitting on a rocking chair.

Mother Endures Heartbreak as Hit-and-Run Claims Lives of Twin Toddlers, 8 Years After Another Son’s Tragic Waterfall Accident

A MOTHER tragically lost her twin boys in a hit-and-run just eight…
Homeowner jailed after HOA complaint about grass.

Homeowner Jailed After Dispute with HOA Over Lawn Condition and Driveway Use

A HOMEOWNER has spoken out after she was jailed without bond over…