Teen E-Bike Rider Airlifted After Collision on Manatee Avenue

A 13-year-old boy was airlifted to a St. Petersburg trauma hospital after an e-bike crash on Manatee Avenue West late Friday morning that left him with a head injury, according to local authorities.

The crash occurred just west of Flamingo Drive and involved an SUV and a juvenile riding an electric bicycle. Emergency responders from West Manatee Fire Rescue, Manatee County EMS and law enforcement agencies arrived at the scene shortly after 11 a.m.

Officials said the teen was riding the e-bike in the same direction as the SUV when the bicycle swerved into the lane of traffic. Investigators determined the SUV driver was unable to avoid the collision and was not at fault in the crash.

According to West Manatee Fire Rescue, the teen struck the vehicle’s windshield and suffered a possible head injury. Authorities reported he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Due to the severity of the injuries, a medical helicopter was requested and landed behind King Middle School on 75th Street Northwest. The teen was transported to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg for advanced medical treatment.

Officials said the boy was in stable condition when transferred to the helicopter and remained hospitalized Friday afternoon. His current condition has not been released.

The crash temporarily shut down eastbound traffic on Manatee Avenue during emergency operations. The Holmes Beach Police Department assisted with traffic control for motorists traveling from Anna Maria Island. All lanes reopened around 12:20 p.m.

The Bradenton Police Department’s Traffic Unit is investigating the crash. A final report is expected to be completed within approximately 10 days. Authorities have not released the names of those involved.

Following the incident, West Manatee Fire Rescue renewed its call for bicycle and e-bike riders to wear properly fitted helmets, noting that helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries.

Under Florida law, riders and passengers younger than 16 are required to wear a securely fastened bicycle helmet that meets federal safety standards. State law also classifies electric bicycles into three categories based on motor assistance and maximum speed, with qualifying e-bikes afforded the same rights and responsibilities as traditional bicycles.

Law enforcement agencies have increasingly emphasized public awareness of e-bike regulations as their popularity continues to grow. Officials note that higher-powered electric vehicles that exceed state e-bike classifications may be considered motor vehicles and subject to additional legal requirements.