A 15-year-old boy has tragically died following a crash involving his e-bike in Tasmania on New Year's Eve, with police now urging all riders to urgently check the legality of their vehicles and safety gear.
Frantic Rescue Attempt Fails to Save Teen
Emergency services were called to Don Heads Road in the state's north-west shortly after 8pm on Wednesday, 31 December, after reports an e-bike had collided with a pole. The rider, a teenager from Devonport, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A nearby resident is understood to have made desperate attempts to save the boy's life in the immediate aftermath of the crash. "He was only 15 years old, so this is tragic," Inspector Nick Clark told the ABC.
Police Highlight E-Bike Laws and Safety Concerns
Inspector Clark confirmed that while a helmet was found at the scene, it remains unclear if the teenager was wearing it at the time of the incident. He used the opportunity to issue a stark reminder about e-bike regulations. "You've got to be 16 years or older to ride an e-bike, you've got to be wearing an approved safety helmet if you're out on the road," he stated, urging the public to "check the legislation whether your e-bike is compliant."
This fatal incident was one of two road deaths in Tasmania on New Year's Eve, with a 72-year-old motorcyclist also losing his life near Campbell Town.
A Concerning Rise in the 2025 Road Toll
The teenager's death contributes to a grim statistic for the island state. The 2025 road toll reached 44 lives lost, the highest number since 50 fatalities were recorded in 2022.
Inspector Clark highlighted a particularly worrying trend within these figures. "A 'concerning factor' regarding the 2025 toll was an increase in the number of motorcyclists killed," he said. "Unfortunately, 12 motorcyclists died on Tasmania's roads last year. Motorcyclists are clearly overrepresented in relation to the total deaths on our roads."
Tasmania Police have stated that investigations into the e-bike crash are ongoing and a report will be prepared for the coroner. Their official statement extended condolences, saying: "Our thoughts are with the rider's family and loved ones."
