A collision on October 2 at 7:58 p.m. in Bend’s Medical District left a 13-year-old e-motorcycle rider critically injured after a crash with a minivan.
According to the Bend Police Department, the incident occurred at the intersection of NE Neff Road and NE 27th Street. A 51-year-old man was driving a white Dodge minivan north on NE 27th Street when he turned west onto NE Neff Road, colliding with the Sur-Ron e-motorcycle traveling south at a high rate of speed.
The young rider, a Bend resident, was thrown from the motorcycle and sustained critical injuries. Authorities believe he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, and confirmed that the Sur-Ron e-motorcycle, which has a maximum speed exceeding 50 MPH, is not street legal.
The driver of the minivan remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. He has not been cited. An ongoing investigation may lead to further updates, according to Bend PD spokesperson Sheila Miller.
As of the latest report, there were no updates on the rider’s condition. Authorities reiterated the importance of adhering to legal regulations regarding e-motorcycle usage, especially regarding younger riders.
The Bend Police Department has cautioned parents against purchasing e-motorcycles for children, highlighting safety concerns related to their usage on public roads.