June 19, 2026 11a
(WGTD)---Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton is looking for help from the state to develop new rules and regulations to address problems associated with a growing array of smaller, faster and more affordable mini-bikes, pedal bikes, scooters and the like.
A fatal mini-bike crash occurred in Kenosha on Tuesday. In recording Saturday’s Civic Affairs program for WGTD, Patton said it’s a difficult issue in part because it's hard to keep up with the products. "The bikes keep changing. We have electric bikes now that go to variable speeds. Some are legal. Some are not. We have mini-bikes and dirt bikes," he said
The 20 year-old mini-bike operator in Tuesday’s crash collided with a box truck on 60th St. He was driving illegally on the street.
The proliferation of the bikes has created new dangers for pedestrians, legal motorists and the mini-bike operators themselves, some of whom are driving at fast speeds but aren’t even in their teens. Also, it’s difficult at times for officers to figure out which rules to apply to what bikes.
Patton says officers have been cracking down on illegal operators when they catch them. "When we get them we have been super aggressive in saying this is an unregistered, illegal vehicle on the road," he said. " You're not licensed. Here's your ticket."
In recent weeks, more than a half-dozen mini-bikes have been confiscated, angering some in the community.
In some cases, the problems extend to noise complaints.
The full program featuring Patton will air Saturday morning at 11 and will shortly thereafter be archived.
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