Overview
- A 15-year-old from Devonport died at the scene after his e‑bike struck a wooden pole on Don Heads Road on New Year’s Eve, despite a nearby resident’s efforts to help.
- Police recovered a helmet at the site but have not determined if it was being worn, the type and compliance of the bike remain unclear, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
- Earlier the same day, a 72-year-old motorcyclist died near Campbell Town, bringing Tasmania’s 2025 road toll to 44, with police noting motorcyclists were overrepresented with 12 deaths last year.
- Police believe this is Tasmania’s first fatal crash involving an electric bicycle and note there is no age limit for legal e‑bikes, though approved helmets are required and power-assisted limits apply.
- Authorities and industry groups are urging checks on compliance and pushing for consistent rules nationwide, as the federal government moves to tighten import standards for what can be sold as an e‑bike.