Tasmania Police have urged e-bike users and parents to exercise greater caution following the death of a 15-year-old boy in a tragic New Year’s Eve crash in the state’s north-west.
The teenager, a Devonport resident, died after his electric bicycle struck a power pole on Don Heads Road around 7.30 pm on Wednesday. Police said a nearby resident attempted to help the boy, but he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
“It’s absolutely tragic. He was only 15 years old,” said Inspector Nick Clark of Tasmania Police.
Helmet use and age rules under scrutiny
Inspector Clark said a helmet was found at the crash site, but investigators are yet to determine whether the boy was wearing it at the time of the collision. Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading to the crash.
He reiterated that under Tasmanian law, riders must be at least 16 years old to operate an e-bike on public roads and must wear an approved safety helmet.
“You’ve got to be 16 years or older to ride an e-bike, and you must be wearing an approved helmet,” Inspector Clark said. “People should also check whether their e-bike complies with current legislation.”
Tasmania currently permits two categories of e-bikes, regulated by motor power and the speed at which electric assistance cuts out.
Parents urged to take responsibility
Police stressed that parents and guardians play a critical role in ensuring young riders understand safety rules.
“Are your children doing the right thing? Are they riding safely and being given the right advice?” Inspector Clark asked, referring to both e-bikes and e-scooters.
Second fatality compounds toll
The teenager’s death came just hours after a second fatal crash in Tasmania. A 72-year-old motorcyclist died near Campbell Town in the Northern Midlands after veering off Macquarie Road and crashing into a culvert around 3.30 pm.
Police said speed, alcohol and drugs were not believed to be factors in the motorcycle crash.
The two deaths pushed Tasmania’s 2025 road toll to 44 — the state’s worst figure since 2022, when 50 lives were lost.
Inspector Clark described the rising number of motorcyclist deaths as “concerning”, noting that 12 motorcyclists were killed on Tasmanian roads last year.
Call for vigilance
Police have urged all riders to travel to conditions, wear appropriate safety gear and ensure their vehicles meet legal standards, warning that even short rides can turn fatal without proper precautions.