19-Year-Old E-Bike Rider Critically Injured in Collision in Orange

A serious accident in the City of Orange has once again raised questions about the safety of e-bikes after a 19-year-old rider was struck by a vehicle on the evening of September 9. The crash occurred near the busy intersection of Lewis Street and El Prado Avenue, an area that sees heavy traffic from both cars and cyclists. Authorities confirmed the rider was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision, and the impact left him with life-threatening injuries.

Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, transporting the young man to a nearby hospital for treatment. Police shut down Lewis Street in both directions for nearly six hours as investigators gathered evidence, redirected traffic, and worked to reconstruct the events that led to the crash. Officials have stated that neither drugs nor alcohol appear to have played a role, and the driver involved stayed at the scene and fully cooperated with authorities.

The incident has shaken residents of Orange, where e-bike use among teens and young adults has surged in recent years. Local officials continue to emphasize the importance of helmet use and traffic awareness, noting that accidents like this highlight the risks of high-speed electric bikes sharing roads with cars. The crash has also reignited discussions about the need for stricter safety enforcement, designated bike lanes, and greater public education around e-bike laws.

For now, the 19-year-old remains in critical condition, and the investigation into the circumstances of the collision is ongoing. Police are urging drivers and cyclists alike to exercise extra caution, particularly at intersections where visibility and reaction time are crucial to preventing tragedies.

Read the Original Article: https://patch.com/california/orange-county/e-bike-crash-critically-injures-19-year-old-oc