A 12-year-old Ashley Falls Elementary School student is fighting for his life after an e-bike crash involving a Tesla in Carmel Valley, according to police and a family friend.
The boy, identified as Mark Maldonado through an online donation campaign, suffered life-threatening injuries when his electric bike collided with the vehicle. Authorities say the crash left him with multiple brain bleeds, head trauma and a broken collarbone. Two weeks later, he remains in critical condition.
The collision happened on Del Mar Heights Road as Maldonado was riding westbound in the bike lane and attempting to make a left turn onto Old Carmel Valley Road. The area has four lanes of traffic and a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour.
The 64-year-old Tesla driver was not injured. Police say no charges have been filed in connection with the crash.
The incident has shaken the Carmel Valley community, where neighbors and parents say it has sparked concern about e-bike safety and enforcement.
We spoke with neighbor John Perlman at Ashley Falls Park, near the school Maldonado attends.
“It’s a little scary,” Perlman said.
Perlman said he remains cautious when sharing the road with cyclists.
“I don’t own a motorcycle, so I am on the lookout for dangerous situations and a lot of bicycles you got to be careful,” Perlman said.
Parents in the area say the crash has become a major topic of conversation.
“It’s horrible for the driver and for the kid who is on the bike,” parent Leora Goldfarb said.
E-bikes are common across San Diego communities, but some residents say rules and enforcement vary and can be lacking in places like Carmel Valley.
Goldfarb pointed to common safety concerns she sees among young riders.
“Sometimes not wearing helmets having multiple people on the bike and not following stop signs and regular traffic rules,” Goldfarb said.
Perlman echoed concerns about risky behavior.
“They are at their own risk I guess, if they are going to drive crazy and run stop signs,” Perlman said.
Some community members are now calling for stricter regulations.
“There should be strict age limit and enforcement,” Perlman said.
“It’s like a motorcycle it’s like you should have a license to ride one,” Goldfarb said.
Meanwhile, a family friend who organized an online donation page said the family is grateful for the community’s support, writing that every act of kindness brings hope and comfort as they navigate the road ahead.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.