“Our goal is simple,” said Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik. “Keep our children safe. These crashes are happening far too often, and we need parents and the community to help us reduce this growing danger.”
E-motorcycles, high-speed E-bikes and E-scooters continue to be a growing safety concern in the township.
“They may look like fun recreational devices, but many can reach motorcycle-level speeds (50 mph) and are extremely dangerous when operated by juveniles on busy roads,” Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik warned in a social media post following a serious motor-vehicle crash involving an E-motorcycle.
He urged parents to consider the risks and reconsider purchasing the electric vehicles for their kids as the holidays approach.
“Exciting as they may seem, the dangers are very real,” Gurcsik said, noting the state is finalizing new guidance and updated laws are expected in the new year.
“Let’s prevent a tragedy,” he urged. “Our goal is simple: Keep our children safe. These crashes are happening far too often, and we need parents and the community to help us reduce this growing danger.”
Township officers investigate nearly 2,000 crashes a year, according to Gurcsik.
“Our roads are busy, complex, under construction and with distracted drivers,” he explained. “High-speed devices operated by children in these conditions create dangerous and unpredictable situations.”
Police recently investigated an E-scooter crash on Egg Harbor Road that involved a 13-year-old and resulted in minor injuries. And on Nov. 17, a 15-year-old township juvenile operating a high-powered E-motorcycle on Ganttown Road suffered significant injuries, including broken wrists, after he collided with a motor vehicle, police said.
First responders got to that crash site at 4:23 p.m. The teen was conscious and alert as he lay on the side of the roadway, according to police, but his Talaria Sting MX3 60V E-motorcycle was found with extensive damage partially in the westbound lane. The second vehicle – a 2002 Acura RL – had significant rear-end damage. The teen’s helmet was located on the roadway about 75 feet beyond the Acura.
The initial investigation indicated that the juvenile was traveling uphill on Ganttown Road when bright sun obstructed his visibility, causing him to hit the Acura. That vehicle’s driver – also a township resident – told police that he had activated his hazard lights and slowed for a disabled vehicle on the shoulder when he was struck. He immediately contacted police and rendered aid to the juvenile.
The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact officer Ed Appel at eappel@pd.twp.washington.nj.us.
