šØ 13-YEAR-OLD AIRLIFTED AFTER E-BIKE CRASH IN MANAHAWKIN šš²
A 13-year-old boy was airlifted to a hospital with head and face injuries after his e-bike hit a car in Stafford Township on Tuesday night. Police say the teenager was riding an unregistered bike without lights or a helmet.
š MANAHAWKIN, STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ | September 3, 2026
A 13-year-old Manahawkin boy was airlifted to a hospital Tuesday night after the e-bike he was riding collided with a vehicle, according to the Stafford Township Police Department.
š² CRASH DETAILS
Police said the crash occurred at approximately 8 p.m. when a vehicle was attempting to turn left from Lighthouse Drive onto Buccaneer Lane.
According to investigators, the e-bike was traveling along the shoulder of Lighthouse Drive when it struck the passenger side of the vehicle.
The teenage rider suffered injuries to his face and head and was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment.
The driver of the vehicle, a 24-year-old Manahawkin man, was not injured.
ā ļø POLICE CITE MULTIPLE SAFETY CONCERNS
Police said the e-bike was being operated at night without functioning headlights or taillights. Authorities also said the e-bike was unregistered and uninsured.
Additionally, police reported that the 13-year-old was not wearing a properly approved DOT-compliant helmet and was not licensed to operate the vehicle.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
š® INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
The Stafford Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit is investigating the collision.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that may assist investigators is asked to contact Traffic Safety Officer Barnett at 609-597-1189, extension 8490.
šŖ POLICE REMIND RIDERS & PARENTS ABOUT E-BIKE SAFETY
Police are using the incident to remind residents that e-bike requirements involving age, licensing, registration, insurance, helmets, lighting, reflectors and lawful operation are designed to improve rider visibility and reduce the risk of serious crashes.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to understand the classification and legal requirements of any e-bike their children operate and ensure they are properly equipped and legally permitted to ride.
š Extra caution is especially important when riding after dark. Proper lighting and reflective equipment, an approved helmet and responsible operation can significantly improve visibility and rider safety.
š² Garden State News Network urges parents and young riders to know the rules and prioritize safety before taking an e-bike onto public roadways.