Teen E-bikers Cause Life-Changing Injuries to Cyclist in Reckless Joyride

Two 15-year-old e-bike riders have been convicted after a high-speed collision left a father-of-seven with life-changing injuries. The incident occurred on January 31 in Thornaby, Teesside.

CCTV footage captured the teenagers, both wearing balaclavas, performing wheelies and speeding on powerful Sur-Ron e-bikes on public roads. Moments before the collision, the pair were seen speeding down the pavement outside an active fire station. Neither rider was wearing a helmet or protective gear.

Shortly before 2 p.m. on Thorntree Road, the two e-bike riders attempted to overtake a car but instead struck the 46-year-old cyclist traveling in the opposite direction. The impact sent the cyclist flying from his bike onto the pavement, with a bright green backpack also seen tumbling across the road.

One of the e-bike riders fled the scene, while the other remained on the ground with injuries. The uninjured rider later returned to remove the second e-bike. Bystanders rushed to administer first aid to the injured cyclist, who remains hospitalized with severe injuries.

Cleveland Police identified the uninjured e-bike rider through fingerprints left on a van as he fled. Both teenagers were taken into custody and declined to comment. The injured cyclist is still receiving treatment for injuries that will affect him and his family long-term.

On September 23, both teenagers, who cannot be legally identified, pleaded guilty at Teesside Magistrates Court to causing serious injury by dangerous driving. They received driving disqualifications, were ordered to pay £495 in compensation each, and were handed youth referral orders.

Detective Constable Nichola Lamport stated that serious road collisions have devastating consequences beyond those directly involved, impacting entire families with grief, trauma, and financial pressures.