Police have charged a 15-year-old boy over a fatal e-bike crash that killed an eight-year-old child on the Sunshine Coast. The incident occurred about 3:30pm on a bike path in Mountain Creek, near the Sunshine Motorway, when the two riders collided head-on while travelling in opposite directions.
Eight-year-old Zeke Hondow was taken to hospital in critical condition but died from his injuries that night. The 15-year-old from Buderim was not seriously injured in the crash. Officers from the Child Protection and Investigation Unit arrested the teenager on Tuesday.
The teen has been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, unlicensed driving, and driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle. He is due to appear in the Maroochydore Children's Court in November. Detective Acting Inspector Peter Hocken described the case as 'a tragedy on all ends,' noting that one family lost a child while another teenager now faces serious charges.
Detective Hocken said both boys were riding illegal e-bikes, but the younger boy's bike was less powerful and he was under supervision. Police allege the 15-year-old was to blame for the crash. This is believed to be the first time a charge of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death has been applied to an e-device, carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison under Queensland's 'adult crime, adult time' policy.
In response, three local schools—Coolum State High, Noosa District State High, and Sunshine Beach High—have banned e-bikes and scooters for students starting next year. Superintendent Brad Inskip commended the schools for prioritising safety, noting that many devices being ridden to school were unlawful. A parliamentary inquiry into e-bike and e-scooter safety is ongoing, with a final report due in March.
