Man killed after being struck by an illegally modified electric bike
A 69-year-old man has been killed after he was hit by an illegally modified electric bike travelling at 80km/h in Hastings.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
An innocent pedestrian who was struck by an illegally modified electric bike travelling up to 80km/h has died in hospital.
The 69-year-old victim was hit by the bike as he crossed Frankston-Flinders Rd carrying his groceries about 6.40pm Monday.
He was knocked to the ground and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
The Hastings man succumbed to his injuries late on Tuesday afternoon.
Police say the electric bike had been “significantly” modified with extra batteries and was held together with duct tape and cable ties.
The modifications then allowed the bike to reach speeds of up to 90km/h.
Major collision detectives believe the bike was fitted with only a small light but it is unclear whether it was switched on at the time of the fatal crash.
Major Collision Investigation Unit Detective Inspector Craig McEvoy said the rider, a 24-year-old Hastings man, can expect to be charged with a series of traffic offences.
They are likely to be upgraded given the victim died from his injuries.
Riders can also incur a $988 fine for riding unlicensed or unregistered bikes, and can be hit with a $395 fine for failing to wear a helmet, which would also wipe three demerit points.
“It’s very dangerous. If you’re travelling at 80km/h to 90km/h on a bicycle, you’re putting yourself and the rest of the community at significant risk,” he said.
“Anything (travelling at speeds) over 25km/h then puts it into the category of a motorcyclist.
“They should be registered, licensed, you should have safety equipment, a helmet, proper lighting.”
The victim was crossing the single-lane road under a street light near the Ford dealership in Hastings.
He was on his way home from collecting groceries nearby when he was hit.
Nearby businesses reportedly heard screams from the scene in the moments after the crash.
The “avoidable” collision follows a diabolical four days on the state’s roads with 12 people killed in pedestrian and traffic crashes.
Two road deaths were recorded in Clayton South while others lost their lives at Moutajup, Kurunjang, Pootilla, Trafalgar, Swan Hill West, Eganstown and West Footscray.
Another driver was killed in a separate crash in Wangaratta South early on Tuesday morning.
“All of these collisions are avoidable. A terrible four days,” Insp McEvoy added.
“It’s just tragic and could all be avoidable.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Man killed after being struck by an illegally modified electric bike
Welcome to Melbourne: Wrexham AFC to play at Marvel Stadium
Ryan Reynolds’ British soccer team Wrexham AFC will take on Melbourne Victory at Marvel Stadium as part of their three game tour of Australia and New Zealand this July.
Former McClelland College teacher charged with child sexual offences
Orhan Sahin, who was a Year 7 to 10 science teacher at McClelland College before being suspended by the teaching regulator, will face court next month.
Allan govt under fire for rushing through major planning changes
The state government failed to carry out “genuine engagement” with experts, councils and communities as it ploughed ahead with its controversial planning overhaul, a new report has found.
Uni report cards: See which institutions operated at a loss in 2024
The annual reports for Victoria’s major universities are in, with some recording millions of dollars in losses while others thrived. See how your university fared.
Collingwood glamour couple postpone wedding
Collingwood star Josh Daicos and his model fiancee Annalise Dalins have “realised there’s a lot that goes into a wedding” and made the decision to postpone their nuptials.
Crackdown needed on employers spying on staff at work, experts warn
An inquiry into workplace surveillance in Victoria found that staff in workplaces across the state are increasingly subjected to “covert surveillance” like keystroke monitoring and audio taping.