Darien Parents Urged To Respect E-Bike Rules

DARIEN, IL – Illinois is chipping away at the confusing patchwork of suburban rules dealing with e-bicycles and e-scooters.

This week, Darien officials urged parents to follow a new state e-bike law on the issue that takes effect Jan. 1.

Stories about e-bike crashes are piling up. On Tuesday, a 14-year-old boy was riding a high-powered e-bike Tuesday in Wauconda when he was killed in a collision with a vehicle, police said.

"It is imperative that parents respect this new law. We adopted an e-bike and e-scooter policy a year ago. Now, it is a statewide mandate," Darien Alderwoman Mary Sullivan said at Monday's City Council meeting.

Police Chief Greg Thomas said the police department's school resource officer has visited all local schools about e-bike rules.

"There is a parental responsibility portion to it," he said.

Under the new state law, riders of e-bikes that go faster than 28 mph must be at least 16 and licensed. The law bars e-bikes from being used on sidewalks.

Additionally, riders of e-bikes that go up to 20 mph must be at least 15 under the new law.

Darien enacted new e-bike policies a year ago.

RELATED: 14-Year-Old Dies After Dirt Bike Crashes Into SUV In Wauconda: Police