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
Goon busted after NYC man found bashed to death in apartment: cops

NYC Murder Mystery Solved: Suspect Arrested in Brutal Apartment Homicide

A brutal assailant mercilessly struck a 44-year-old man in the head inside…
Mexico's top defense official sobs, announces 25 national guard members killed in Jalisco

Mexico’s Defense Chief Mourns as 25 National Guard Members Tragically Killed in Jalisco Incident

The New Generation Jalisco Cartel’s brutal backlash following the demise of its…
Terrifying reason crime-plagued Moreno Valley mall was partially shut down

Shocking Discovery Forces Partial Closure of Moreno Valley Mall Amid Crime Concerns

A Southern California shopping center, plagued by past incidents involving gunfire, teen…
SoCal rain fuels above-average desert bloom, but experts stop short of 'superbloom'

Southern California Rainfall Prompts Above-Average Desert Bloom, Though Experts Caution Against ‘Superbloom’ Label

Southern California’s deserts are set to dazzle with a vibrant wildflower display…
Anna Kepner's 16-year-old stepbrother charged with her cruise ship murder: reports

Teen Stepbrother Charged in Shocking Cruise Ship Murder of Anna Kepner: Latest Updates and Details

In a tragic and chilling case, the stepbrother of 18-year-old Florida cheerleader,…
This grocery chain was just ranked No. 1 for customer satisfaction

Leading Grocery Chain Secures Top Spot in Customer Satisfaction Rankings

In a recent shift in consumer preferences, Trader Joe’s has been crowned…
Family ski trip ends in tragedy after brother finds sister swept away by Utah avalanche

Tragic Utah Avalanche Claims Life of Young Skier During Family Trip: Brother’s Heartbreaking Discovery

Tragedy struck a Massachusetts family during a skiing trip to Utah when…
'El Mencho' dead: Mexico fears more violence after death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, of Jalisco New Generation Cartel

Death of ‘El Mencho’: Mexico Braces for Surge in Violence Following Demise of Jalisco Cartel Leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes

GUADALAJARA, Mexico — In response to the violent backlash following the military’s…
Gavin Newsom ripped for telling black mayor 'I'm like you' before quoting his low SAT score: 'Liberal racism on display'

California Governor Gavin Newsom Faces Backlash Over Controversial Comments to Black Mayor, Sparks Debate on ‘Liberal Racism

California Governor Gavin Newsom has come under fire for alleged racism following…
San Francisco neighborhood trashed after Red Bull event

San Francisco Neighborhood Faces Cleanup Challenge After Red Bull Event Leaves Behind Chaos

A San Francisco neighborhood is in uproar following a Red Bull Formula…
Americans stuck hunkering down in Mexico after destination wedding trip gets upended by cartel violence

Cartel Unrest Strands Americans in Mexico Following Destination Wedding

American tourists attending a wedding in Mexico found themselves confined indoors, grappling…
Minnesota mall shooting leaves 2 juveniles in custody; suspected gunman still at large

Manhunt in Minnesota: Juveniles Arrested, Gunman Remains Elusive After Mall Shooting

Authorities are actively searching for a gunman after a shooting incident unfolded…