Teen’s Death Among Recent Suburban Dirt Bike, E-Bike Crashes In Chicago Area

WAUCONDA, IL — A 14-year-old Wauconda boy killed when the electric dirt bike he was riding collided with an SUV Tuesday night has been identified as Tyler Waldal, as his death marks the latest in a series of suburban crashes involving dirt bikes, e-bikes and similar vehicles.

The crash happened at about 10 p.m. Tuesday in the 500 block of North Main Street, authorities said. First responders found Waldal suffering from critical injuries and transported him to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where he was pronounced dead in the emergency room.

An autopsy conducted Wednesday by the Lake County Coroner’s Office determined preliminary findings that Waldal died from blunt force injuries sustained in the crash, according to the coroner’s office.

The crash remains under investigation by the Wauconda Police Department and the Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT).

“There are no new updates to release regarding the investigation,” Heather Cognac, public information officer for the Wauconda Police Department, told Patch.

Once MCAT completes its report, it will be forwarded to the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office for review, and any potential charges will be determined at that time, Cognac said.

Recent E-Bike, Scooter And Dirt Bike Crashes

Tyler Waldal's death is one of several recent crashes involving electric bikes, scooters and dirt bikes in the Chicago suburbs:

• On July 15, two 15-year-old girls were injured, one critically, after the e-bike they were riding was struck by an SUV on Milwaukee Avenue in Libertyville. The crash remains under investigation by the Libertyville Police Department and the Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team. Read more: 2 Teens Injured, 1 Critically, In Libertyville E-Bike Crash
• In Elmhurst, a 10-year-old riding an electric dirt bike that police said was not street legal suffered minor injuries after crashing into a car on June 6. Police cited the child's parent and reminded families that electric motorcycles and similar vehicles are prohibited on public sidewalks. Read more: See Video: Elmhurst E-Motorbiker Crashes Into Car
• In Joliet, a 17-year-old Minooka teen riding a dirt bike was killed in a collision with a vehicle on June 22. A Joliet man was later charged with aggravated DUI and battery in connection with the crash. Read more: Minooka Teen On Dirt Bike Killed In Crash, Joliet Man Charged With DUI

Police Issue Safety Reminder

Following the Wauconda crash, police reminded parents and riders about safety precautions when using dirt bikes, electric bikes, e-motos, scooters and similar vehicles.

Many of these vehicles are not designed or permitted for use on public roadways, and riders should understand where they can legally operate them before riding, police said.

Parents are encouraged to know what type of vehicle their children are using, review Illinois laws and local ordinances, and ensure the vehicles are being operated in appropriate locations.

Police also reminded riders to wear properly fitted helmets and protective gear, follow traffic laws, remain alert to their surroundings and avoid excessive speeds or risky maneuvers.

Motorists are also encouraged to remain vigilant, especially during the summer months when more children and teens are outside.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and our thoughts are with this young man's family, friends, classmates, and everyone in the Wauconda community who has been impacted by this loss,” Wauconda Police Chief John Combs said. “No family should ever have to endure the loss of a child.”

The Wauconda Police Department extended condolences to Waldal’s family and asked the community to keep them in their thoughts during this difficult time.

What Illinois Law Says About Dirt Bikes, E-Bikes And Scooters

Illinois law sets basic rules for electric bicycles and other motorized devices.

Low-speed electric bicycles generally are allowed on streets, bike lanes, bike paths and shared-use trails, but are prohibited on sidewalks, according to the Illinois Secretary of State. The state classifies e-bikes into three categories based on how the motor assists the rider and the vehicle’s speed capability.

Class 1 and Class 2 e-bike riders must meet state age requirements, while riders of Class 3 e-bikes must be at least 16 years old. Many municipalities also have additional rules regarding the use of electric bikes, scooters and similar devices.

Many electric dirt bikes and e-motos do not meet the state definition of a low-speed electric bicycle because they may lack fully operable pedals, have more powerful motors or exceed speed limits set for e-bikes. Those vehicles may be subject to different rules, including requirements for registration, equipment and licensing if they are operated on public roads, according to the Illinois Secretary of State.

Local governments also have their own ordinances regulating the use of bicycles, scooters and similar vehicles.

Elmhurst, where a 10-year-old was injured in an electric dirt bike crash earlier this summer, has municipal regulations addressing bicycles and motor vehicles. The parent was cited under the city's ordinance for parental responsibility because the child operated a wheeled motor vehicle on a public sidewalk.

In Wauconda, where recent the fatal dirt bike collision remains under review, police have not yet released if anyone will be cited or charged in connection with the crash or commented on whether the teen was legally allowed to operate the dirt bike, police said Thursday.

Police agencies across the suburbs have reminded families that many electric dirt bikes and similar vehicles marketed to children are not the same as street-legal e-bikes. Parents are encouraged to know what type of vehicle their child is riding, review Illinois laws and local ordinances, and make sure it is being operated in an appropriate location.