Teen Dies After Faulty E-Bike Brake Failure

An 18-year-old tragically lost his life due to an extensive brain injury sustained in a high-speed collision with a tree. The incident occurred on 23 August in Leeds while the teenager was riding a faulty electric motorbike, which witnesses estimated to be traveling between 50 and 60mph.

An inquest revealed the electric motorbike had a defective rear brake and throttle, significantly impairing the rider's ability to slow down and control the vehicle. It was also noted that the motorbike was not road legal, lacked registration, and had been hot-wired, indicating it was an unregistered and potentially unsafe machine.

The teenager, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, was described by his friend as shouting about the 'sticking' throttle and inability to stop before the impact. The assistant coroner recorded the cause of death as brain injury from the collision, acknowledging the profound tragedy of losing such a young life.