FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Investigators are urging caution after a 15-year-old on an electric scooter ran a stop sign and collided with a deputy’s patrol vehicle, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
In a release, the sheriff’s office said the incident happened as the deputy pulled through an intersection in Bunnell.
“The deputy had the right of way and was traveling about 19 mph,” the release reads. “Thankfully, the teen was evaluated by Flagler County Fire Rescue and was not seriously hurt — but this could have ended very differently."
[BELOW: Watch the full dashcam footage of the collision]
Deputies also discussed some Palm Coast laws for those riding around on e-bikes:
- Carry a Photo ID: Every e-bike operator must carry government-issued photo identification, whether it be a drive license, passport or school ID.
- Helmets for Riders Under 16: Anyone under 16 years of age operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle or e-bike must wear a properly fitted, securely fastened helmet.
- Age Limits: E-bike riders must be at least 11 years old when operating on public roads, paths and sidewalks.
- Obey the Rules of the Road: Stop signs and signals apply to e-bikes, as well. On sidewalks and paths, yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing.
- Light Up at Night: A white front light visible from 500 feet and a red rear light and reflector visible from 600 feet must be attached.
- Keep Your Class Label: E-bikes must keep their manufacturer Class 1, 2, or 3 label. Removing the pedals or modifying the motor to go faster makes it illegal to ride in the city.
- Keep It Street Legal: Devices with a seat and no pedals; a motor over 750 watts; or a top speed above 28 mph are classified as “off-road electric motor-driven cycles” — and they’re prohibited on every Palm Coast road, sidewalk, bike lane, path and park.
“While Palm Coast laws do not apply to stand-up e-scooters in Bunnell, they serve as best practices for everyone on the road,” the release continues.
News 6 spoke with the FCSO’s Commander Bernie Woodward, who said the deputy had the right of way and the teen ignored a stop sign before colliding with the patrol SUV.
“That could have ended in quite a tragedy,” Woodward said. “Luckily, nobody got seriously injured.”
Woodward said the crash serves as a reminder that riders on electric scooters and e-bikes must obey traffic laws just like drivers of cars and motorcycles.
Neighbors who live near the intersection said they frequently see drivers and riders ignoring stop signs in the area.
“They’re always blowing the stop signs. Even the cars and the kids on the bikes and scooters,” neighbor Jenny Heyer said.
Acording to Bunnell police, the teen was issued a citation for failing to obey a stop sign. Deputies said the teen suffered minor injuries and was not wearing a helmet.