Woman Hit by 10-Year-Old on E-Bike in Central London
Jane Ouartsi, a woman in her 50s, suffered a broken femur, fractured collarbone, and two spinal fractures after being struck by a 10-year-old boy riding a Lime e-bike in St Giles Square, central London, on August 4, 2023. The collision left her requiring three separate operations and a total of 36 days in hospital.
CCTV footage released by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) shows the moment Ms Ouartsi was walking alongside her partner, Dave Mathias, when the e-bike slammed into her without warning. She staggered backward before crashing onto the pavement, while the young rider also tumbled from the bike.
Victim Forced to Relearn Walking After Severe Injuries
Ms Ouartsi told the BBC: "I heard my spine and my body split and I thought I've gone – I just didn't know what was happening." She was fitted with a back brace to prevent her spine from collapsing and had to undergo extensive rehabilitation to learn to walk again.
The rider initially remained at the scene but was later led away by his mother, according to Mr Mathias, who spoke to The Times. Police investigated the incident, but no charges were ultimately brought.
Couple Left 'Helpless and Angry' Without Justice or Compensation
Mr Mathias expressed frustration that the couple had received neither compensation nor criminal justice, saying they feel "helpless and angry." Ms Ouartsi recalled that she and her partner had enjoyed a "lovely lunch" and visited an exhibition before the high-speed bike struck her.
The incident highlights growing concerns over e-bike safety in the UK, where an estimated 1 million to 1.5 million electric bikes are in use. Doctors have reported a sharp rise in e-bike-related injuries, according to an Australian news site.
No Charges Filed Despite Clear CCTV Evidence
Despite the clear CCTV footage showing the collision, the CPS decided not to press charges. The reasons for this decision have not been publicly disclosed. Ms Ouartsi continues to recover from her injuries, which required three operations and extensive physiotherapy.
