Increased use of e-bikes in some area communities has resulted in local village boards and police departments having to deal with what some officials are calling “challenges.”
Hinsdale has been very proactive in its efforts, officials said.
“Like many communities in the area, Hinsdale has experienced challenges with e-bikes, especially around safety, speed and rule compliance,” village President Greg Hart said.
That’s why the Hinsdale Village Board acted early, adopting a local ordinance, increasing enforcement and launching a strong education push, he said.
“We’ve worked to make safety information widely accessible, not just to riders, but to parents and the broader community,” Hart said. “We’re proud that Hinsdale has been a leader on this issue, helping set the tone for how municipalities can respond thoughtfully and proactively.”
In order to be considered a legal low-speed electric bicycle, electric bikes and other electric motorized devices must be equipped with pedals and an electric motor with a power output of less than 750 watts, as cited by Illinois law, according to Hinsdale’s policy. Only bicycles or legal low-speed electric bicycles, and adults on low-speed scooters, may share the roadway with motorists in Hinsdale.
Low speed stand-up electric scooters are permitted for adults 18 years and older in Hinsdale. They are authorized on most roadways and sidewalks, but are not permitted in the village’s business district, 55th Street or Ogden Avenue.
Any other product equipped with an electric motor is strictly prohibited on the public way. This includes, one-wheels, electric dirt bikes or any other electric motorized device.
“It is a safety concern, and we do our best to both enforce and educate,” said Hinsdale police Deputy Chief Thomas Lillie, who added police officers see people riding electric bikes or scooters on a regular basis.
“We’ve made it very clear what the rules are, so it’s difficult for someone to say they didn’t know,” Lillie said. “We have seen some impact with the younger riders.”
Hart agreed.
“We’re beginning to see encouraging signs,” he said. “Compliance among younger riders has improved, and it appears that more kids are choosing traditional bikes again. Our balanced approach — combining clear rules, visible enforcement, and ongoing education — seems to be making a positive difference. This will remain a priority for us, and we’ll continue to take it seriously.”
In Clarendon Hills, police Sgt. Zach Finfrock said officers in the village have had some problems with people riding illegal devices.
“There are different types of e-bikes, and there are different regulations,” he said. “Our situations generally start with disobeying rules of the road, and very often they try to flee when we try to stop someone.”
As is the case with Hinsdale, education about electric motorized devices is a primary goal in Clarendon Hills.
“That is our first approach,” Finfrock said. “This has to start with the parents, and there’s a lot of misinformation about e-bikes on the internet.”
In Burr Ridge, Mayor Gary Grasso and police Chief Marc Loftus released a statement to the community following a recent incident in which a group of young people riding e-bikes and e-mini-bikes created a disturbance in downtown Hinsdale and later were observed traveling south on County Line Road toward Interstate 55 while disregarding traffic laws.
The two local officials urge parents to call 9-1-1 immediately if they witness similar unsafe or unlawful behavior.
“Parents are strongly urged to prohibit children without a valid driver’s license from operating e-bikes or motorized play vehicles in the village,” the statement from Grasso and Loftus said. “The village will hold parents or guardians responsible for any property damage, personal injury, or other consequences resulting from their child’s unlawful or reckless operation of these vehicles.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
