PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — School is out for the summer, and that means more kids may be out on city streets riding e-bikes and electric scooters.
Port St. Lucie Police are investigating a crash involving two boys on an electric scooter.
The crash happened around 1:30 Tuesday afternoon in the 1600 block of Southeast Lennard Road.
Police say a 15-year-old boy and his 8-year-old brother were riding an electric scooter on the sidewalk when they collided with a Mercedes SUV that was pulling out of a parking lot and turning onto Lennard Road.
Police say the preliminary investigation indicates the teen operating the scooter failed to stop or safely maneuver to avoid the crash.
“I worry about some of these young kids that maybe don’t necessarily have the best judgement or awareness,” said Caitlin Carmichael, a Port St. Lucie resident.
Police stress young people on e-bikes and scooters need to be extremely careful.
Teen, 8-year-old brother taken to hospital after scooter crash near school in Port St. Lucie. (WPEC)
“Whether you’re 12 or in your 20s, you have to have those safety precautions in place. These devices can reach speeds nearly as fast as a vehicle, and riders may be on roadways, sidewalks or even off-road. That’s why they pose a safety concern for residents and drivers,” said Brittany McNally, Port St. Lucie Police spokesperson.
“A lot of the kids are on these e-bikes and they’re kinda just zipping up and down the street, they’re not necessarily looking where they’re going,” Carmichael said.
Drivers say safety starts with the parents.
“Their parents number one, should at least do something and train their kids how to ride these things. I see them all the time doin’ wheelies in the middle of the street. It’s like crazy, you know,” said Dale, a Port St. Lucie motorist we spoke with near the crash scene. He would not give his last name.
Both boys were taken to a local hospital for evaluation. Police say the 8-year-old suffered cuts and scrapes to his leg, while the 15-year-old complained of leg pain.
The driver of the SUV and a juvenile passenger were not hurt.
The crash happened near Village Green Environmental Studies School and the 8-year-old is a student there.
More young people will be on streets and sidewalks with e-scooters and e-bikes until school begins August 10.