Hinsdale Cracks Down On Reckless E-Bike Riders

HINSDALE, IL – Like in other towns, Hinsdale residents are complaining about youths riding recklessly on electric bicycles.

A year ago, the Village Board passed rules for e-bikes and other such vehicles. The regulations included a ban on e-bikes that are 750 watts or greater, some of which can go 50 mph.

At Tuesday's Village Board meeting, Village President Greg Hart reported that officers have issued more than 100 warnings and citations for such violations. The majority of violators, he said, aren't from Hinsdale.

He said the village would not hesitate to enact more regulations if needed.

Police Chief Brian King pointed to a recent editorial in the Hinsdalean newspaper that brought more awareness about the issue.

"Since that piece went out last week, a lot of people have been talking in town. It's brought (the issue) more to the forefront," King said.

Because of the editorial, the chief said, the police department has heard from parents that they feel pressure to buy high-powered devices, so their children can keep up with their friends.

Now, the police department is migrating from warnings to citations, he said. It is also coming up with information for parents on which bikes are legal.

The key is involving parents, King said. As it is, the police are playing catch-up, given their many other duties, he said. And stopping minors is time-consuming.

"We have a parent come and get the equipment if it's not legal to be on the street," the chief said. "It can take an officer off the street for a considerable amount of time."

King also advised against changing local regulations now, saying the village should see how last year's changes play out. Otherwise, he said, Hinsdale may enter the "land of unintended consequences."

"There are plenty of people who ride these bikes appropriately, going to the train station, going to restaurants and normal life activities," the chief said. "You wouldn't want a blanket ban that would sweep those good, appropriate uses off the board."

Under the village's regulations, electric bikes can only be ridden on streets, not sidewalks. They cannot exceed 15 mph.

Human-powered bikes can be used on sidewalks or streets, but only on streets downtown.

Electric-powered devices such as scooters, skateboards and one-wheels must be used on sidewalks (except downtown), yielding to pedestrians.