The Village of Lake in the Hills has updated its ordinance to clarify where and how personal transportation devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and minibikes may be used in the Village. These changes balance recreation and mobility with public safety and legal responsibility.
What’s Allowed and What’s Not
Under the revised Chapter 8.12 of the Village Code, the following regulations are now in effect:
🚫Prohibited Areas for Motorized Use
The following devices may not be operated on Village-owned property, including:
- Sidewalks
- Bike paths
- Multi-use paths
- Parks
- Easements
- Parking lots
Prohibited devices include:
- Motorized scooters (electric or gas)
- Low-speed electric bicycles (while motor is in use)
- Low-speed gas bicycles (while motor is in use)
- Segways and other self-balancing personal transporters
- Dirt bikes, minibikes, and similar devices
✅ Where You Can Ride
- Low-speed electric bicycles may be ridden on public roads.
- Low-speed electric bicycles may also be used on sidewalks or paths under manual (pedal) power only, without motor assistance.
- Low-speed gas bicycles may be used on roads by individuals age 16+, at speeds under 20 mph. Manual use is also permitted on sidewalks and paths.
- Motorized wheelchairs and mobility devices used by individuals with disabilities are always allowed, in line with ADA regulations.
🚨 Enforcement & Fines
- Officers may issue a warning or citation based on the situation.
- Fines range from $100 to $750.
- Parents/guardians may also be fined if they knowingly allow a minor to violate any ordinance, as identified in section 43.10 of the Village’s Municipal Code.
📞 Reporting Issues
***VILLAGE CODE 43.10: PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY***
Be advised: It shall be unlawful for a parent or legal guardian of an unemancipated minor residing with such parent or legal guardian to knowingly allow or permit said minor to commit any violation of a Village ordinance or state statute. Parents or Guardians in violation also may be fined if found in violation.
