Teen on Electric Motorcycle Collides with Elderly Pedestrian, Leading to Hospitalization
Investigation Underway Following Serious Crash in Seal Beach
A 70-year-old woman is in serious condition after being struck by a teenager riding an electric motorcycle while she was crossing an intersection in Seal Beach on Thursday.
According to the Seal Beach Police Department, the incident occurred at the intersection of Main and Ocean streets, a frequently trafficked pedestrian area within the community.
The woman was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries, while the teenager riding the Surron e-motorcycle was not injured in the incident. Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash, but no citations were issued at the scene.
"I don’t want anyone to jump to conclusions about who is at fault or how it happened," said Seal Beach Public Information Officer Julia Clasby. "For us right now, it’s a very serious traffic collision, so we’re trying to figure out what that was."
Local residents noted that the pedestrian is a regular visitor to local businesses, suggesting she may have been leaving one when the accident occurred. The crash has intensified discussions among neighbors about safety concerning high-powered e-motorcycles and modified electric bikes on busy city streets.
"It’s alarming but not surprising," said resident Stephanie Christian. "There’s been an increase in motorized vehicles around pedestrians and children, particularly with many seniors living in Seal Beach."
Concerns regarding e-bikes and modified electric motorcycles have been growing, not just in Seal Beach but across Orange County as well. Recent events, including felony charges against a father for helping his son modify an electric bike into an e-motorcycle, have fueled these concerns.
Clasby emphasized the distinctions between e-motorcycles and e-bikes, stating that the former requires DMV registration, insurance, and a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement.
Medical professionals warn that accidents involving teenagers on motorized bikes can lead to severe injuries. "The faster your vehicle, the more likely serious injuries will occur," remarked Bradley Jacoby, Chief of Pediatrics at Kaiser Permanente.
Residents hope that this incident will prompt increased caution among riders in Seal Beach and lead to potential safety reforms. "I would like to see something done," Howell stated. "Not only the laws, but the follow-through."
