South Australian police have released footage of a teenager's lucky escape while riding an illegal bike to highlight the dangers such vehicles pose. The incident occurred on June 26 at 12:30 pm on Hillier Road at Reynella, outside the Southgate Plaza shopping centre in Adelaide's south.
High-Speed Stunt Ends in Collision
An electric motorbike rode past police and paramedics who were dealing with a minor collision at the scene. The rider was travelling at high speed on its back wheel before crashing into a vehicle turning out of the shopping centre car park. He was ejected from the bike and landed heavily about 20 metres away, with the impact causing his shoes to fly off.
The 16-year-old boy from Reynella was taken to hospital and was fortunate not to sustain life-threatening injuries. The driver of the car was uninjured.
Legal Consequences
The rider was reported for speeding past an emergency vehicle, riding in a manner dangerous, riding an unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle, and driving while unlicensed. The e-motorbike was impounded. He will be summonsed to appear in the Youth Court at a later date.
Police Condemn Reckless Behaviour
Superintendent Shane Johnson, Officer in Charge of the Traffic Services Branch, said this type of dangerous behaviour will not be tolerated. "This kind of reckless, irresponsible, and incredibly dangerous riding is disgraceful and shows the consequences of such unacceptable behaviour. While this rider is incredibly lucky, if you choose to take risks like this on the road then your luck will run out," he said.
"People who choose to behave with such abandon on our roads are why crashes happen, including deaths. People riding these types of illegal e-bikes or e-motorbikes need to realise the risks involved and know that they are one of the most vulnerable road users who have little to no protection."
