Charles City Juvenile Injured After Crashing E-Bike Into Vehicle, Points to Growing Problem

A juvenile suffered minor injuries last week after crashing an electric bike into the side of a moving car.

Charles City Police say they responded to an E-bike-versus-car collision in the 1700 block of Clark Street, just after 5 PM Tuesday (05.05) evening. Their investigation determined that a juvenile was riding the E-bike eastbound on the sidewalk, while a Honda Accord, driven by Marianne Kuethe, also headed east, signaled and was making a legal right turn off of Clark.

CCPD says the E-bike drove into the passenger side door of Kuethe’s vehicle, damaging the door and breaking the window. 

The juvenile suffered minor injuries and was taken by parents to Floyd County Medical Center for further attention.

Total damages were estimated at about $1,400.

*Local Law Enforcement Deal with Accident Threats of E-Bikes

The increasing popularity of electric bikes and scooters has also increased the opportunity for accidents for riders, but also motorists and pedestrians.

Charles City Police Chief Hugh Anderson says part of the danger results from E-bikes reaching speeds much faster than a regular bike.

Which New Hampton Police Chief Conrad Rosendahl says can make it hard for riders and motorists to stop in time to avoid a collision.

Like vehicle drivers, Rosendahl says he’s seen E-bikers using their cell phones at the same time.

Anderson says E-bikers have also displayed other dangerous habits.

One habit Rosendahl would like to see more of from all bikers: wear a helmet.

Authorities also encourage parents to talk with their kids about riding E-bikes safely, whether on the street or on the sidewalk, with an emphasis on stopping at traffic lights and stop signs. It’s also recommended that, when possible, E-bike riders give a verbal alert to anyone ahead of them that  they might pass.