Amid the continuing popularity of electric-powered devices, officials in both Lake Bluff and Lake Forest are sending out messages to the community asking residents, especially children, to be mindful of safety guidelines.
Lake Bluff Village Administrator Drew Irvin acknowledged at the June 9 village board meeting local officials have received many complaints about e-devices in the downtown area since the end of the school year.
While there is not a specific local prohibition of riding e-bikes and scooters in the central business district, the village has posted eight signs asking people to walk those devices downtown.
Irvin mentioned a state law that prohibits certain classes of electronic bicycles.
“We are enforcing that to the best of our ability,” he said.
However, that was not enough for Lake Bluff resident Stephanie Martin, who said she recently witnessed three children ignoring the signs and called for additional measures to communicate the corresponding safety issues.
Police Chief Matt Smizinski said his department is examining the situation, and he is consulting with other communities regarding their regulations. Also, a village police officer spoke to 7th- and 8th-grade students about e-bike and e-scooter regulations just before the end of the school year.
“We are trying to create the culture that we are being vigilant of this,” Smizinski said.
In Lake Forest, the city instituted a ban in 2023 of riding recreational-powered devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters in the city’s downtown.
However, the city recently issued an advisory through its social media channels and website saying they have noticed an increase in the use of electronic dirt bikes, which do not meet the state’s definition of a low-speed electric bicycle.
“Our goal is to prevent accidents before they happen,” the message read. “These vehicles are powerful and can pose serious risks to young riders and others.”
Lake Forest Police Chief John Burke added that these electric motorcycles do not have pedals and are illegal for anyone to drive unless they have the motorcycle-specific M-Class driver’s license from the state. He added they can not be driven in any case on a roadway, sidewalks, parks or bike paths.
Smizinski noted the e-motorcycles are a concern in Lake Bluff as well.
“The issue being can have considerable speed and they are potentially being operated on the sidewalk by persons potentially not having experience operating these types of vehicles,” he said.
He added that the e-motorcycles are quiet and hard to hear as they approach another person or driver.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
