08/20/2026
E-Bikes, Four-Wheelers, Scooters, ATVs & Other Off-Road Vehicles
It is time we address this issue.
We understand that Beach City is a small farm town, and we understand there isn't a lot for kids to do. We also understand that riding e-bikes, four-wheelers, scooters, dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles can be a fun part of growing up in a community like ours.
However, the unsafe and destructive ways some people—including both juveniles and adults—are riding throughout the village need to stop before someone gets seriously hurt.
Our officers have tried to be as lenient as possible. We have talked with kids, parents and adults when we have witnessed serious safety concerns or destructive behavior. Unfortunately, in some cases, we are seeing the same individuals repeating the same actions within minutes or days.
Some of the things officers are seeing include:
• Riding on state routes
• Riding on sidewalks at the park and along Main Street while pedestrians are present
• Traveling through the cemetery at excessive speeds
• Riding across and damaging grass on other people's properties
• Riding at night wearing dark clothing with no lights or other visibility equipment
• Reckless riding that creates a danger to pedestrians, motorists, property owners and the riders themselves
• Pulling out in front of people including officers
Let me be clear: The last thing we want to do is take a child's e-bike, ATV, dirt bike, scooter or other vehicle and impound it, issue citations and send them to court. We understand this is a small community, and we don't want to take away something that kids enjoy.
But our responsibility is also to protect those kids, pedestrians, motorists and people's property.
If officers repeatedly speak with riders and parents and the unsafe or destructive behavior continues, we may have no choice but to take stronger enforcement action.
Moving forward
I am instructing our officers to take a firmer stance on reckless, unsafe and destructive behavior involving these vehicles.
We will also be working with Village Council and our legal representatives to review our current ordinances and determine whether additional local regulations are needed to help address these issues.
Parents, we ask for your help. If an officer contacts you about your child riding dangerously or damaging property, please take it seriously. A conversation at home may prevent an accident, an injury or an enforcement action later.
Our goal is not to take away kids' fun.
Our goal is to make sure everyone makes it home safely.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Chief Curt Gipe
Beach City Police Department
