Overview
- Police said the crash occurred about 10pm on Chute Street in Diamond Creek, where the 14-year-old was treated but died at the scene.
- Victoria Police’s major collision unit is investigating, and a 22-year-old Eltham North man who was driving the 4WD was interviewed and released pending further inquiries.
- Officers appealed for witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers, and there is no suggestion the electric bicycle in this case was illegal.
- The fatality follows other recent e-bike deaths, including a rider hit by a garbage truck in Sydney and an October Brisbane case that led to charges against a 15-year-old.
- A Monash University study of 27,000 e-bikes found widespread non-compliance, with most not pedaling, one in five exceeding 25 km/h and speeds recorded up to 54 km/h, spurring state politicians and industry group WeRide to urge federal import standards and tougher enforcement.