An Oakland County youngster is recuperating from injuries after the electric motorcycle they were driving collided with a parked pickup truck in Rochester Hills, according to authorities.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the crash in the area of Dorfield and Briston drives around 8:24 p.m. Thursday after receiving numerous 911 calls reporting a crash. Callers said the child was unconscious following the crash.
According to investigators, the child struck a 2010 Ram 1500 that was legally parked. Rochester Hills Fire Department personnel transported the child to an area hospital, where they were reported to be in serious but stable condition.
Deputies said the child was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, however, it was designed for bicycle use and was not a motorcycle-rated helmet.
In a news release, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said the electric motorcycles are high powered and capable of reaching speeds that “can cause catastrophic injuries” in a matter of seconds. The vehicles should not be treated as toys, the sheriff added.
“Parents need to understand exactly what they are purchasing for their children, and riders need to know and follow the law,” Bouchard said.
“That includes understanding where these vehicles can legally be operated, what licensing and registration requirements apply, and using safety equipment specifically designed for the type of vehicle being ridden. A bicycle helmet is not designed to provide the same level of protection as a properly rated motorcycle helmet. We want people to enjoy these emerging technologies, but they must do so safely, responsibly and within the law.”
Sheriff’s officials are reminding parents and riders that many increasingly popular electric motorcycles are significantly different from traditional electric bicycles. Depending on their design, power and maximum speed, these vehicles may be considered motorcycles or other motor vehicles under Michigan law and can be subject to licensing, registration, insurance and equipment requirements.
The motorcycle involved in the crash was not registered or insured, according to the sheriff’s office.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit.