Boy, 14, dies in e-bike crash with car as parents warn ‘this is reason why they are banned from the roads’

Boy, 14, dies in e-bike crash with car as parents warn ‘this is reason why they are banned from the roads’

A 14-year-old boy named Finley Dawson lost his life in a collision between an electric motorbike and a vehicle in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, last Thursday. The incident occurred on Newbold Road, around 8:30pm, when the e-bike he was operating struck a Kia Sportage.

Finley and his 15-year-old pillion passenger were flung from the bike during the crash, landing on the road. While Finley was transported to the hospital, his injuries were deemed fatal, and he passed away the next day. His companion is still receiving treatment in a critical yet stable state.

Derbyshire police have stated that the Kia driver is cooperating with investigators and is considered a witness. No arrests have been made so far. The families of both boys have since released a statement highlighting the perils of riding electric motorbikes on public roads.

“There is a reason these bikes are banned from the road, and devastatingly Finley has paid the ultimate price in losing his life. His friend has sustained serious injuries and has to come to terms with growing up without his best mate. Although the thrill of riding an electric bike on the road seems exciting, it can also be fatal,” they said.

In the UK, riders must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driving license to operate an electric motorbike on roads. However, electric bicycles with pedals can be ridden by individuals aged 14 and above, provided their continuous rated power output does not exceed 250 watts.