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
Crime scene with numbered markers.

Nine Dead and 93 Injured, Including Children, During Fourth of July Violence, Marking One of the Year’s Deadliest Days

AT least nine people have died and 93 are injured after violence…
Are You a HENRY?

Do You Identify as a High-Earning Not Rich Yet (HENRY)?

(NerdWallet) – No, we’re not asking your name. And we promise we’re…
Michael Douglas says he has no intentions of returning to acting

Michael Douglas announces he doesn’t plan on acting again

Michael Douglas is enjoying his time away from Hollywood. The Oscar winner,…
Man vows to keep Texas business running despite 'worst flood' in 20 years

Texas Business Owner Determined to Keep Doors Open Amid Worst Flood in Two Decades

“Current live updates from the field indicate unconfirmed reports of more water…
Alamy Live News. 3BKW7JH London, UK. 23 Jun 2025. Nigel Farage MP (pictured responding to questions in various states of emotion) and Zia Yusuf lead a Reform party press conference in Westminster. Reform UK floats the policy idea of the Britannia Card an offer to the ?internationally mobile wealth creators'. They will get the card for a one off ¿250,000 landing fee, which allows UK taxation only on a remittance basis and no tax on international wealth, incomes or gains, also no inheritance tax. They ?will also get a Britannia Residence Permit' - a 10 year renewable multi-entry residence permit. Credit: Guy Bell/Alamy This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check.

New Poll Shows Reform Party Leading with 290 Seats in Hypothetical General Election, While Starmer’s Approval Hits Record Low

NIGEL Farage would be the big winner if an election were held…
Netanyahu and Trump to meet in DC as Gaza’s fate without Hamas is debated

Netanyahu and Trump’s DC Meeting to Discuss Gaza’s Future in a Post-Hamas Context

President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are scheduled to…
Mexico wins 10th Gold Cup Title over US

Mexico Clinches 10th Gold Cup Championship, Triumphing Over the US

The tiebreaking goal was scored in the 77th minute. HOUSTON — Edson…
Two boys in Camp La Junta shirts stand outside.

Miracle Escape: Two Brothers Swim to Safety from Rising Floodwaters in Texas Camp Cabin

TWO brave young brothers have told of their gutsy escape from the…
Texas weather: Massive recovery efforts underway in Kerr County following catastrophic flooding in Central Texas

Texas Weather Update: Extensive Recovery Efforts Ongoing in Kerr County After Severe Central Texas Floods

In Kerr County, Texas, rescue teams searched through a devastated landscape on…
Australian Erin Patterson found guilty of all counts in mushroom murders case

Erin Patterson from Australia Convicted on All Charges in Mushroom Murder Case

An Australian woman was convicted on Monday for the murder of three…
Risk of further floods in Texas during desperate search for missing as death toll tops 80

Flood Threat Continues in Texas Amid Urgent Search for Missing; Death Toll Exceeds 80

KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — Central Texas faced a significant threat of life-threatening…
Crowded beach in Magaluf, Mallorca, with hotels in the background.

22-Year-Old Brit Hospitalized After Boat Accident in Magaluf Following Night Out with Friends

A BRIT holidaymaker has been rushed to hospital “seriously injured” after falling…