Northbrook officials warn about high-speed dirt bikes and e-bikes; police to return with enforcement recommendations

President Ciesla told the board on June 10 that the village is monitoring the local use of electric bicycles and high-speed pocket/dirt bikes and that the police department will bring recommended measures to a future meeting.

Ciesla explained the state-based classification of e-bikes and reiterated several operating restrictions: class 1 and 2 e-bikes are limited to 20 mph, and class 3 e-bikes to 28 mph, riders must be at least 16 for some classes, and state law generally prohibits operation on sidewalks, he said. He added that high-speed pocket bikes and mini motorcycles — which lack lights, mirrors, brake lights and license plates — are not permitted on public roads and are hazardous when operated by youth.

“Someone is going to get very badly hurt, and someone is going to die,” Ciesla said, urging parents not to give children these machines. He said the police are enforcing state law and that the police chief has prepared a memo; the chief will return to the board with recommendations to define personal-use motor-vehicle categories, identify allowable operating areas, consider age and helmet requirements, and clarify parental responsibility and enforcement approaches.

Ciesla said municipalities vary in their approaches and some cite parents as well as juvenile riders when enforcing the rules. He called for a future public-safety discussion in which the police department will outline possible local restrictions and enforcement strategies.

No formal policy changes were adopted at the June 10 meeting; trustees directed staff to allow the police department time to develop and present options.