09/01/2026
The Troy Police Department is investigating two separate crashes that occurred over the past two weeks involving alternative electric vehicles and serious injuries. In both incidents, the electric vehicle appears to have contributed to the crash or was at least partially at fault. These incidents underscore the importance of all alternative electric vehicle operators following the rules of the road and operating their vehicles safely and responsibly.
On Friday, August 21, an adult operating a Class 2 electric bicycle was traveling on the wrong side of the roadway. The operator entered an intersection controlled by a traffic signal and attempted to make a left turn while traveling against the proper flow of traffic. The electric bicycle proceeded through a red traffic signal and turned onto the left side of the roadway. It then collided with a car that had a green traffic signal and was making a right turn.
The investigation into this crash remains ongoing. The driver of the vehicle was suspected of operating under the influence of ma*****na, and the case is pending the results of laboratory testing.
A second crash occurred on Saturday, August 29, in the 600 block of East Franklin Street. An electric vehicle operated by a 12-year-old, with an 11-year-old passenger riding on the back, was traveling westbound on East Franklin Street. The manufacturer markets the vehicle as a moped-style electric bicycle. However, based on the vehicle’s power and speed, it meets the statutory definition of a motorcycle under Ohio law. As a result, the vehicle is subject to the licensing and registration requirements applicable to motorcycles, and neither the vehicle nor its operators met those requirements.
Neither child was wearing a helmet or other protective equipment. According to the crash report, the electric motorcycle was traveling on the wrong (left) side of the road and swerved to avoid a westbound vehicle, lost control, and crashed. There was no reported contact between the electric vehicle and the other vehicle, which was described as a white vehicle, possibly an SUV. Anyone with additional information about this crash is asked to contact the Troy Police Department.
The Troy Police Department continues to receive complaints involving the unsafe or reckless operation of alternative electric vehicles by individuals of various ages. Through our School Resource Officers and other City resources, educational information has been provided regarding electric vehicle laws, proper operation, and safety.
The increasing use of electric bicycles, scooters, and other alternative electric vehicles is a concern in communities across the country. The City of Troy and the Troy Police Department will continue to enforce existing laws governing the operation of these vehicles and will continue to evaluate whether additional local regulations or other measures are appropriate to improve safety and help prevent serious injuries.
Regardless of the type of vehicle being operated, all roadway users have a responsibility to understand and follow the rules of the road, operate their vehicles responsibly, and take appropriate safety precautions.
