Teen e-bike crash sparks safety push after near-fatal impact

A 14-year-old boy riding an e-bike at an estimated 25 mph struck Janet Stotko, 70, during her evening walk in Hastings, Minnesota, leaving her unconscious and bleeding. The incident, which occurred on October 25th, 2024, has ignited a renewed debate about e-bike regulations and safety.

Victim seeks accountability after life-altering collision

Stotko suffered severe brain injuries, a facial fracture, and a broken eardrum in the crash. After two days on a ventilator and three weeks in the hospital, including brain surgery, she's recovering. Doctors expressed disbelief at her survival, a testament to the rapid advancements in medical care. “Wow, we can’t believe you’re here,” she recounts them saying.

The accident has propelled Stotko into advocating for stricter e-bike laws in her community. Hastings city council responded by reducing e-bike speed limits on city trails to 15 mph, banning them on sidewalks, and implementing penalties.

E-bike injuries surge, regulations lag behind

The convenience and environmental appeal of e-bikes have fueled their popularity, but a darker trend is emerging. A study by the University of California, San Francisco reported a near doubling of e-bike rider injuries annually from 2017 to 2022. A similar study from UC San Diego found a 300% surge in e-bike related injuries among riders under 18 in San Diego between 2019 and 2023.

Federal law currently classifies most e-bikes as nonmotorized vehicles, meaning riders don’t require a license, insurance, or helmet. However, a patchwork of state regulations exists, creating confusion and potential hazards. The distinctions between e-bikes and more powerful