Teenager Critically Injured in E-Bike and SUV Collision in Regional Victoria
A 13-year-old girl is fighting for life after the e-bike she was riding collided with an SUV in Castlemaine, regional Victoria. The incident occurred on Monday evening, sparking a police investigation and raising concerns about e-bike safety for children.
Details of the Castlemaine Crash
Police report that a black Nissan X-Trail crashed with an e-bike on Urquhart Street in Castlemaine, approximately 130 kilometres northwest of Melbourne, at 5:30 PM on Monday. Two youths were riding the e-bike at the time: the 13-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy.
The girl sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a hospital for emergency treatment. The boy was also hospitalised but with non-life-threatening injuries, according to authorities. The driver of the Nissan stopped at the scene and is cooperating with the ongoing police investigation.
E-Bike Regulations and Safety Concerns
In Victoria, current laws allow people of any age to ride an e-bike without a licence, a policy that has come under scrutiny following this accident. Meanwhile, New South Wales is considering stricter measures, with plans to ban children from riding e-bikes by the end of the year.
A review by Transport for NSW is currently underway, which is expected to recommend a legal minimum age for e-bike riders, potentially between 12 and 16 years old. This incident highlights growing debates over child safety and e-bike usage across Australia.
Call for Witnesses and Investigation
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the crash in Castlemaine or has any CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers immediately. The investigation aims to determine the cause of the collision and assess any contributing factors, such as road conditions or vehicle speeds.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with e-bikes, especially for young riders, and may influence future regulatory changes to enhance road safety.
