An unfortunate incident on the Mornington Peninsula road left a pedestrian dead after being struck by an electric bike that had been illegally modified to reach speeds of up to 90km/h. The 69-year-old victim succumbed to his injuries at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, becoming the 12th person to die in a series of road accidents in Victoria within four days.
Witnesses, including local business owners, reported hearing screams at the scene of the collision in Hastings. The pedestrian, who was walking home from the shops, suffered severe upper and lower body injuries. The rider, a 24-year-old man from Hastings, sustained serious injuries and remained in stable condition at The Alfred hospital.
Authorities revealed that the e-bike involved in the crash had its battery enlarged and secured with duct tape and cable ties to enhance speed and power output, a modification that violates road safety regulations. Inspector Craig McEvoy emphasized the importance of adhering to legal requirements for e-bikes, which prohibit speeds exceeding 25km/h and power outputs over 250 watts on public roads.
While investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the collision and the speed at which the e-bike was traveling, concerns have been raised about the safety of modified electric bikes. Former police superintendent Jim Keogh warned of potential fatalities resulting from e-bike misuse, prompting increased scrutiny and enforcement measures.
The tragic incident in Hastings underscored a recent surge in road fatalities across Victoria, with a total of twelve deaths occurring since the start of National Road Safety Week. The toll included various accidents, such as a fatal crash in Wangaratta South and a separate incident involving a homeless man on the Western Highway in Cobblebank.
Inspector McEvoy expressed astonishment at the alarming rate of road trauma affecting the community and highlighted the emotional toll on emergency responders tasked with managing the aftermath of these incidents. Police appealed to the public for any relevant information or footage that could assist in the investigation of the Hastings collision.
As authorities work to address the implications of illegally modified e-bikes and enhance road safety measures, the tragic loss of life serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of responsible usage and compliance with regulations to prevent further tragedies on Victoria’s roads.
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