Boy, 14, dies in e-bike crash with car as parents warn ‘this is reason why they are banned from the roads’

Boy, 14, dies in e-bike crash with car as parents warn ‘this is reason why they are banned from the roads’

A 14-year-old boy has died following a collision involving an electric motorbike and a car in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The incident occurred on Newbold Road last Thursday around 8:30pm, when the e-bike collided with a Kia Sportage. The teenager, Finley Dawson, and his 15-year-old pillion passenger were thrown from the vehicle onto the road during the crash.

Finley was taken to hospital after the accident, but his injuries were deemed ‘non-survivable,’ resulting in his death the following day. His friend remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition. Derbyshire police stated the Kia driver is acting as a witness, supporting investigations into the incident. No arrests have been made so far.

The families of both boys have released a statement highlighting the dangers of electric motorbikes on public roads. They emphasized: “There is a reason these bikes are banned from the road, and devastatingly Finley has paid the ultimate price in losing his life. His friend has sustained serious injuries and must now cope with growing up without his best mate. While the thrill of riding an electric bike on the road may seem exciting, it can also be fatal.”

To legally operate an electric motorbike on public roads in the UK, riders must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driving license. However, pedal-assisted electric bikes can be ridden by anyone over 14 on roads and cycle paths, provided their ‘continuous rated power’ output does not exceed 250 watts.

Finley Dawson, 14, was transported to the hospital following the collision but succumbed to his injuries the next day. The second boy is still hospitalized in critical but stable condition. The families now urge caution, warning young riders about the risks of e-bike use on roads.