A young boy has been rushed to hospital following a serious collision involving an electric scooter and a utility vehicle in a Newcastle car park on Tuesday evening.
Emergency Response at Jesmond Central
The incident occurred around 6:45 pm on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, on Bluegum Road at Jesmond Central. Authorities believe the primary school-aged boy, estimated to be about 10 years old, was riding an e-scooter when he was struck by the ute.
Police and paramedics arrived at the scene in large numbers. They discovered the child had become trapped under the trailer being towed behind the vehicle, as confirmed by an Ambulance NSW spokesperson.
Miraculous Escape from Serious Injury
Rescue officers worked to free the boy while paramedics assessed him for injuries, which included abrasions to his face and complaints of pain in his shoulder and back. Police remained on the scene until at least 7:30 pm.
In what emergency services described as a miraculous outcome, the boy was freed a short time later and transported to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition. An Ambulance source indicated his injuries were considered minor.
Crash Fuels E-scooter Safety Debate
This incident coincides with a planned crackdown by the NSW government on high-powered electric scooters and bikes. The state is set to reduce the allowed battery wattage limit to align with other jurisdictions, aiming to improve public safety.
Currently, NSW is the only state where Australians can legally purchase a 500-watt e-bike, capable of speeds up to 60km/h. Other states like Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia limit riders to 250-watt models.
Police have issued a stern warning to parents, urging them not to buy the most powerful models. Premier Chris Minns voiced his concern on Sydney radio 2GB, stating, "I've seen some particularly young kids on bikes that are more like motorbikes... In some cases, fat bikes can go as fast as a car, and as a result, people are going to get hurt."
The push for reform comes as ownership surges, with more than 600,000 households now owning an e-bike and many more expected to purchase one over the Christmas period. A recent two-day police crackdown in late November resulted in 176 infringements and the seizure of three electric devices.
Authorities continue to investigate the precise circumstances of the Jesmond crash.
