To be clear, our goal is not to discourage the use of electric bikes. When used responsibly and lawfully, they offer both recreation as well as an economical alternate form of transportation. The problems arise when the vehicles are misused. "We need parents to educate their kids that a bicycle is a vehicle and it's dangerous if it's used in the wrong way.
Ah, Melbourne. Known for its coffee culture, beautiful laneways, and, apparently, a new breed of underage daredevils zipping around on electric motorbikes. Just when you thought your biggest worry while driving was dodging potholes or overly enthusiastic cyclists, you get hit by a kid on a Vespa. Or more accurately, by a kid on an unregistered electric motorbike who clearly thinks he’s auditioning for a Fast and Furious sequel.
Let’s set the scene: You’re cruising down a quiet suburban street, minding your own business. Perhaps you’re daydreaming about that perfect cup of coffee you’re going to have later, or maybe you’re just trying to remember where you left your car keys. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a kid zips past you, racing another kid who’s clearly been practicing for the next MotoGP. It’s like a scene out of a movie—except, spoiler alert, this isn’t Hollywood, and it’s definitely not a good day for your car.
In a tragic twist of fate, the kid on the electric motorbike, perhaps a little too confident in his skills, crashes into your car. You check to make sure he’s okay—because despite the chaos, you’re a decent human being—but the moment you call 000 for help, it’s like a scene from a magic show. Poof! The kids vanish, leaving you alone with your damaged vehicle and a hefty insurance excess bill.
Now, let’s talk about that insurance excess for a moment. You know, that lovely little fee you have to pay before your insurance company steps in to save the day. It’s like a toll for the privilege of being involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault. And in this case, it feels particularly cruel because you’re left holding the bag while the kids ride off into the sunset, probably laughing about their daring escape.
You might be wondering, what’s the play here? Should you just suck it up and accept that you’re now the proud owner of a car that’s seen better days? Or should you channel your inner detective and track down these pint-sized speedsters?
Well, here’s where it gets tricky. You’ve got dash cam footage, which is great, and photos of the kid (because let’s face it, you weren’t about to let this moment pass without some documentation). But the police, in a classic case of ‘we can’t help you,’ have washed their hands of the situation because the kid decided to play the disappearing act. So, what now?
You could try to file a report with the police, but they might just tell you to keep your fingers crossed that the kid decides to turn himself in—because we all know how often that happens. Or you could contact your insurance company and see if they can work some magic on your behalf. Just be prepared for a long conversation with someone who might not be as sympathetic as you’d hope.
In the end, this is a reminder that while we often think of reckless driving as a problem for adults, it seems the youth of today are taking matters into their own hands—literally. So, keep your eyes peeled and your dash cams rolling, because you never know when a kid on an electric motorbike might come tearing through your quiet suburban street, leaving chaos in their wake. And remember, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, you’re not alone. Just be sure to have a good sense of humor about it—because if you don’t laugh, you might just cry.
Inspired by: “Hit by a kid on an electric motorbike” (r/melbourne)