Mother Urges Parents to Unite Against Dangerous Electric Bike Use After Son's Severe Accident

A mother of a 13-year-old boy who was critically injured in an electric bike accident has appealed to all parents to stop this dangerous trend and protect their children. Despite a strict household ban and repeated warnings about the risks and legal restrictions on electric bike use at his age, the boy was influenced by peer pressure and rode a friend's electric bike without parental supervision. He was hit by a car and is now hospitalized in critical condition, sedated and on a ventilator, suffering multiple facial fractures including a shattered nose, a complex orbital fracture, and a skull base fracture. He underwent several complex surgeries, during which three plates and screws were implanted in his face permanently, along with stitches. Additionally, he broke both legs, requiring further surgery with implants in one leg.

The mother emphasized she is not blaming anyone but is deeply fearful of the growing number of children risking their lives daily on electric vehicles. She highlighted the lack of sufficient enforcement and the impossibility for parents to constantly supervise their children, calling for a collective parental effort to set firm boundaries. "If we all decide together that children of this age should not ride electric vehicles, it will be easier for our kids to accept this limit," she said. She warned parents not to wait until their child ends up in the hospital to recognize the danger, stressing that while it is her son today, it could be another child tomorrow.

The police have also confiscated electric bikes in the southern city of Yeruham, where the incident occurred, as part of ongoing efforts to address this issue.