Florida Teen Recovers After E-Bike Crash Leaves Him in Deep Coma
A 17-year-old boy has awoken from a coma following a severe accident involving two cars and an electric bike, prompting renewed discussions about e-bike safety.
A 17-year-old Florida resident, Anthony McBride Jr., has begun his recovery after waking from a deep coma that followed a multi-vehicle crash in early August. The incident, which occurred at the intersection of NW 29th Street and North Andrews Avenue in Wilton Manors, involved McBride Jr. on an electric bike and two cars.
Following the accident, McBride Jr. was admitted to Broward Health Medical Center, where doctors diagnosed a stage 3 diffuse axonal injury. His father, Anthony McBride Sr., described the situation as a "nightmare" and expressed concerns about his son's condition, noting that doctors had indicated a low probability of him regaining consciousness.
"It’s been a nightmare. I’ve been at the hospital with him nearly every day. It’s been emotional," McBride Sr. told NBC 6. He also described the accident itself as "incredibly scary."
At the end of August, McBride Sr. announced his son's awakening from the coma. A video shared on social media showed the teenager waving his hand, a moment his father described as "absolutely HUGE."
McBride Jr. is reported to be in stable condition but experiencing a "disorder of consciousness." He has opened his eyes, responded to touch and sound, and is gradually regaining motor skills. Photos shared by the family indicate he also sustained injuries including missing teeth.
The McBride family has established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with medical expenses and recovery costs not covered by insurance. They have raised approximately $15,000 toward their $750,000 goal. McBride Sr. has taken unpaid leave from work to care for his son and has since returned part-time.
Since August, at least three other minors have been involved in accidents while riding electric bikes and scooters in South Florida, according to Broward Health Medical Center. In early September, a 10-year-old girl in Miami-Dade died in a hit-and-run incident while cycling.
This incident follows legislative efforts in Florida to regulate e-bikes. A bill aimed at regulating e-bikes was vetoed by Governor Ron DeSantis in June. Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Ben Sorensen has confirmed that the city is developing new regulations concerning e-bikes.