A 14-year-old riding an illegal electric motorcycle nearly collided with a Suffolk County police vehicle in Copiague last week, as officials warn of a growing number of serious injuries involving e-bikes and other electric devices.
Police say the crash happened Tuesday at the intersection of Colombo and Dante avenues. Investigators say the teen crashed into an officer’s vehicle as the officer was making a right turn at a stop sign after completing a separate traffic stop.
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina says the incident highlights the dangers of illegal electric motorcycles. The teen was wearing a helmet and was not seriously injured.
Police confiscated the electric motorcycle, which Catalina said will not be returned.
AAA is reporting a nearly 300% increase in crashes including electric scooters and bikes since 2017.
Suffolk County police say there have been eight serious e-bike-related injuries so far this year.
Under New York state law, e-bike riders must be at least 16 years old and are required to wear helmets.