Atlantic county prosecutor urges caution after 14-year-old dies in e-bike crash — Ambulance - File Photo.

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A 14-year-old boy from Egg Harbor Township was killed last week in Somers Point after being struck by a car while riding a motorized bicycle, prompting Atlantic County Prosecutor William E. Reynolds to issue a public warning Monday about the dangers of e-bikes and similar vehicles operated by teenagers.

Calling the crash a “heartbreaking loss,” Reynolds emphasized that the increasing presence of high-speed e-bikes, scooters, and golf carts on public roads—often used by minors—poses significant public safety concerns. The teen died following a collision while crossing a roadway on what the prosecutor described as “just another summer evening.”

“A child has died, and we must ask ourselves: Could this have been prevented?” Reynolds wrote in a statement released by his office.

The prosecutor cited scientific research showing that key parts of the brain involved in judgment and risk assessment, such as the prefrontal cortex, are not fully developed in adolescents. He argued that while teens may physically be able to operate such vehicles, they may lack the cognitive maturity to respond safely in traffic.

“These devices are not toys,” Reynolds wrote. “They demand training, situational awareness, and split-second decision-making in high-risk environments.”

In recent years, Atlantic County has seen a rise in crashes involving teens and motorized vehicles not subject to the same regulations as cars or motorcycles. Prosecutor Reynolds noted that many of the incidents involve young riders misjudging traffic or neglecting to wear helmets.

He urged parents to reconsider allowing their children to ride e-bikes or similar motorized vehicles, especially if they are not yet of legal driving age. “If your child is not old enough to drive a car…why would we think they are prepared to manage these risks on two wheels?” he asked.

Reynolds called for increased awareness, stronger consumer education by manufacturers, and a broader public conversation around safety and regulation.

The boy’s name has not been released. He was expected to start high school in the fall.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.