Atlantic County, NJ, Prosecutor Warns About E-Bikes After Tragedy

Atlantic County Prosecutor Will Reynolds has penned a comprehensive and sobering opinion-editorial, following the tragic death of a 14-year-old boy from Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.

The boy was killed while riding an e-bike.

Will Reynolds Issues Blunt Assessment

The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office is responsible for investigating all fatal motor vehicle crashes in our county. Every one of these tragedies carries with it a devastating ripple effect-for the victim's family, for the driver involved, for first responders, and for our entire community. But this case in particular should give every parent, policymaker, and community member pause, said Reynolds. To parents, I say this: please, reconsider before purchasing or allowing your child to operate a motorized bike or scooter. These devices are not toys. They demand training, situational awareness, and split-second decision-making in high-risk environments. If your child is not old enough to drive a car-if they wouldn't yet qualify for a driver's license— why would we think they are prepared to manage these risks on two wheels?

Reynolds Asks If Tragedy Could Have Been Prevented?

A child has died, and we must ask ourselves:

Could this have been prevented? The growing popularity of e-bikes, electric scooters, and golf carts on our roads-often operated by teenagers-presents new and significant dangers. These vehicles can reach high speeds, often without the safeguards and regulations required for cars or motorcycles. And while they may appear fun and convenient, we cannot allow their novelty to blind us to the reality: they are fast, heavy, motorized machines being operated in live traffic, often by kids who are not developmentally ready for that responsibility, said Reynolds.

Reynolds Writes About The Science Of Age & Operating Motorbikes

Reynolds covers that the human brain that controls decision-making, does not fully mature until the age range of mid 20’s.

This region manages:

• impulse control.
• judgment.
• risk assessment.

Reynolds outlines that teenagers can operate the equipment … they just don’t have the cognitive ability to make safe decisions.

Reynolds writes that, “That’s not an opinion. That's neuroscience. And in the real world, it has consequences,” writes Reynolds.

Will Reynolds Message To Parents

To parents, I say this: please, reconsider before purchasing or allowing your child to operate a motorized bike or scooter. These devices are not toys. They demand training, situational awareness, and split-second decision-making in high-risk environments. If your child is not old enough to drive a car-if they wouldn't yet qualify for a driver's license— why would we think they are prepared to manage these risks on two wheels? — said Reynolds.

Reynolds Offers A Path Forward

• It begins with awareness and responsibility.
• We need parents to be gatekeepers. Ask yourself:
• Has my child demonstrated the maturity to handle unpredictable situations?
• Do they understand traffic patterns, visibility issues, and right-of-way rules?
• Are they consistently cautious, or are they prone to risk-taking?

Reynolds concludes that If the answers are uncertain, you should err on the side of caution.

SOURCE: Will Reynolds, Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.