13-Year-Old Airlifted After Serious Electric Dirt Bike Crash in Mahopac

According to a press release from the Carmel Police Department, a 13-year-old boy was seriously injured in an electric dirt bike crash in Mahopac earlier this week.

Police say the crash happened on Tuesday, October 6, at approximately 7:30 p.m. Officers and emergency medical personnel responded to the area of Watermelon Hill Road and Eleanor Drive after receiving a report of a crash involving a teenage boy riding an electric dirt bike.

When first responders arrived, they found the 13-year-old suffering from serious injuries. Investigators believe the teen lost control of the bike after striking something along the side of the road, possibly a bush. He was thrown from the vehicle during the crash.

The boy received medical treatment at the scene before being transported by medivac helicopter to a regional trauma center for further care. Police have not released any additional information about his condition.

Carmel Police Detectives are continuing to investigate what led to the crash. The department is also coordinating with the local school district to provide support for those affected by the incident.

Police are using the crash as an opportunity to remind parents and riders that not everything being sold as an electric bike is legally considered an e-bike.

According to the department, some high-powered electric two-wheelers are actually classified as motorcycles or off-road vehicles. Often called e-motos or electric dirt bikes, these machines can reach speeds of more than 50 mph and typically don't have pedals.

Police warn that these vehicles cannot be registered for street use in New York and may not be operated on public roads. Operating them also involves requirements for a license, registration and insurance.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police say additional information will be released as it becomes available.