Five-year-old hit by e-bike at Sydney playground now unable to walk
A five-year-old hit by a teenager on an e-bike at an Engadine playground fractured both legs and remains in a wheelchair.
The child was playing with his sisters at the playground when he was hit by the teenager doing wheelies through the monkey bars area. The five-year-old fractured both his tibia and fibula.
The 13-year-old did not stop. He fled the scene.
Police identified the teenager five weeks later. They handled him under the Young Offenders Act.
The child's mother said her son cannot now walk, stand, or use the toilet unaided. She said they cancelled the family's summer plans.
Her son missed the final term of preschool and all sports. The incident has also traumatised her other two children, who witnessed it.
The mother is now his full-time carer. She said there is no insurance or compensation for rehabilitation.
The family faces financial and emotional disruption. She urged the teenager's parents to reconsider allowing him to ride an e-bike.
She said he is not responsible enough.
- 5 years old
- Victim age
- 13 years old
- Rider age
- Engadine, Sydney
- Location
- Six weeks and ongoing
- Time in wheelchair
Why it mattersThe incident shows the safety risks of e-bikes in public spaces. It also shows how serious injuries affect families long-term.
AustraliaA Sydney family's life upended; raises questions for Australian parents about e-bike regulations and supervision in parks and playgrounds.
