The father of a 17-year-old boy killed in an e-bike crash on the Gold Coast has spoken out after the teenage driver was sentenced, urging better regulation of the devices. Hudson Gagg died in September when the e-bike he was a passenger on collided with a car on Tallebudgera Creek Road.
The 17-year-old driver, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to six charges including driving without due care and attention causing death, driving unlicensed, and driving with a relevant drug present in his blood. He was sentenced to nine months' probation and had his licence disqualified for nine months in the Southport Children's Court.
The court heard the teenagers were riding down a steep hill and were unable to brake before hitting a car. The bike was classed as a motor vehicle due to its power output and was unregistered and uninsured. Police prosecutor Aaron Lockwood said the case was distressing for the close-knit community.
Speaking outside court, Jason Gagg described his son as a jovial 'boofhead with a big smile' who loved his friends. He called for mandatory licensing and registration for e-bikes, noting the lack of financial support for his family after the crash. 'You should have to have a licence and some type of registration so if there is an incident, people can make a claim against you,' he said.
Defence lawyer Daniel McShane said the crash had deeply affected the offender, who suffered flashbacks and significant injuries requiring weeks in hospital. The magistrate imposed a nine-month probation period, stating that deterrence was not the primary focus. New e-bike laws are set to take effect in Queensland from July 1.
