Collision in Tama Involves Electric Motorcycle and SUV, Injuries Reported
TAMA, IA — A collision occurred at approximately 10 p.m. on July 18 at the intersection of West 7th Street and McClellan Street, involving an electric motorcycle and an SUV.
According to authorities, two juveniles were traveling west on the electric motorcycle when they failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with the back passenger side of a passing SUV. Both juveniles were transported to area hospitals, but their conditions remain unconfirmed.
The driver of the SUV, identified as 36-year-old Juanita Avila Lorenzana, was charged with driving without a license.
Toledo Police Chief Quigley clarified distinctions between electric bikes and electric motorcycles, stating, “Electric motorcycles are solely powered by the electric motor and do not have pedals.” He added that current Iowa laws classify such motorcycles as “off-road motorcycles,” prohibiting their operation on city streets and sidewalks, including the Tama-Toledo Rec Trail.
The incident raises concerns as the use of electric vehicles has surged in Iowa, which authorities state may correlate with an increase in reckless driving and accidents. There are currently no local ordinances governing electric motorcycles, but discussions are ongoing.
Emergencies at the scene were managed by local law enforcement and medical responders, with no additional injuries reported. Further investigations are underway.