New Jersey Police Warn Parents After Teen Injured on High-Speed E-Bike

Last Updated on November 21, 2025 by Kristina

A police chief in Washington Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey has issued a serious warning after a teen crash involving an electric bike.
The teenager, age 15, was riding uphill when the sun blocked his sight. He struck the back of a car and landed hard. His helmet flew about 75 feet.
He broke both wrists and the bike involved was described as a 60-volt e-motorcycle that reached up to 48 mph.

Police say this incident is the latest in a string of crashes involving teens on electric bikes, e-scooters or e-motorcycles.
According to Patrick Gurcsik, the Police Chief, many of these devices look fun but they can be lethal when kids ride them on busy roads. He urges parents to rethink before buying them for children.

What’s going on

• A teen was injured when his e-motorcycle collided with an Acura on a public road.
• The bike did not meet legal standards for road use in New Jersey — no registration, no proper licensing, yet capable of high speed.
• Sun glare and a disabled vehicle ahead may have contributed to the crash.
• New legislation is underway to regulate e-bikes and e-motorcycles: minimum age, licensing, registration, insurance.

Why this matters to e-bike users

This story shows how certain electric bikes — especially high-powered models or e-motorcycles — blur the line between e-bike and motorbike. Even if labelled “e-bike,” if they reach high speeds and are used on roads, they may pose big risks.
For younger riders and parents, the appeal is strong: fun, fast, new. But the safety margin is thin. Road traffic, speed differentials, rider inexperience, and visibility all combine in ways that can turn bad fast.

What you can do

• Check the type of bike: Is it really a standard pedal-assist e-bike, or more like a motorbike with throttle and high speed?
• Know the laws in your state: Age limits, licensing, registration may apply.
• Use appropriate gear: Helmet, lights, reflective clothing — especially when roads are involved.
• Teach safe habits: Road awareness, vehicle traffic, speed control. Especially if the rider is young.
• Consider location: Off-road paths? Bike lanes? Busy streets? The wrong choice increases risk.

My Take Commentary

As someone who reviews e-bikes and helps readers find safe, practical models, this story stood out to me. It’s a reminder: not all “e-bikes” are alike. Some are much more powerful and dangerous than the typical commuter model. For parents, especially, the message is clear: buying a flashy e-bike for your teenager isn’t the same as buying a regular bicycle or standard pedal-assist model.
Having seen many budget e-bikes in the $500-$3 000 range, most are safe for adult road use when used correctly. But when a device is essentially a motorcycle in e-bike form and a young rider gets on it, risk escalates dramatically.
Going forward on Electric Bike Explorer I’ll be adding a clearer emphasis on distinguishing “street-legal e-bikes for adults” vs “high-speed e-motorcycles” and what to look out for. If your teenager is riding or you’re buying one as a gift, choose with caution: know the specs, know the laws, and plan for safety first.

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