Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
The village is seeking to pursue e-bike thrill seekers, the village president said. LA GRANGE, IL – La Grange on Monday joined the suburban patchwork of regulations for electric bicycles and electric scooters. Towns are filling in the state's loopholes in vehicle laws. Officials say youths are often driving them recklessly. "No one's really going after the girl who is riding on her scooter around the block," Village President Mark Kuchler said at a Village Board meeting. "What we are trying to end is the group that rides through downtown and does seem to be riding for more thrills." Police say they plan a public education program, including distributing flyers and working with local schools. Kuchler said the village's new rules come just in time for parents going holiday shopping. "They have bought these (vehicles) for their children and don't understand that there are regulations," he said. Under the new rules, youths under 16 are prohibited from riding higher-speed e-bikes and e-scooters. Those who are 16 and 17 cannot ride them without a driver's license. The regulations also bar people from riding e-bikes with no working pedals. Exceptions to age and driver's license requirements are made for youths who are with a parent or legal guardian. Trustee Beth Augustine said the messaging was important. "We're happy to go with you to schools and be a part of that," Trustee Beth Augustine told the police. The Village Board voted unanimously for the rules.
