CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – A Clay County teen says he is recovering after being struck on an e-scooter near Clay High School, and investigators are working to determine exactly what happened.
“We were crossing and we were riding in front of the car. Then she just drove,” West said.
His girlfriend, Calee, says she was driving the e-bike at the time. She described the moment she realized West had been hurt.
“Whenever I felt his arm like leave from like wrapped around me, I turned around and that’s whenever I noticed he was on the ground,” Duren said.
West says he was released from the hospital following the crash. He said his leg is still bothering him.
“Leg is okay, I’ve been a little limpy,” West said.
Despite the scary experience, West says he came away with an important lesson — including about helmet use.
“For sure because you never know what could happen,” West said.
Sheriff: Investigation ongoing, all parties tracked down
Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook addressed the investigation.
“The information that I have at this point is that a juvenile was attempting to cross State Road 16 near Clay High School and there was at some point an impact or potential impact between an SUV and the e-bike. That is still under investigation and as far as I know have been able to track down all parties involved and they’re interviewing them right now,” Cook said.
Cook noted that initial 911 calls don’t always reflect what actually occurred.
“A lot of times when we receive, especially 911 calls, what people call in may or may not have been what actually happened. So, I don’t know until the investigation is complete and everybody is interviewed,” Sheriff Cook said.
The incident is still being investigated as a hit and run. The sheriff’s office says the driver is cooperating.
“That’s why it’s important not to rush to judgment on these cases until we have an opportunity to interview everybody involved,” she added.
Clay County makes August e-bike awareness month
The crash comes as the Clay County Sheriff’s Office ramps up its focus on e-bike safety. Cook says the agency has declared August e-bike education and awareness month.
“Here in Clay County we’ve made the month of August e-bike education and awareness month and we are doing a big educational push to encourage parents to talk to their kids about e-bikes and the electric scooter usage,” Cook said.
Cook explained that under Florida law, e-bikes are largely treated the same as traditional bicycles — meaning riders under 16 are required to wear a helmet and proper protective equipment.
“I understand that for convenience, especially our kids that leave school and go to work, the convenience of an e-bike makes that a lot easier for them, but we want everybody to be safe,” Cook said.
The sheriff’s office plans to distribute flyers and answer parent questions at school open houses in the coming weeks. Deputies will also push e-bike safety messaging across the agency’s social media platforms.