Henry Morgan, an e-bike rider, was convicted and banned from driving for six months after colliding with a pedestrian due to riding a modified bike in west London.
Henry Morgan, a 61-year-old e-bike rider, was convicted in Westminster Magistrates' Court for his involvement in a fatal collision with a pedestrian in Shepherd's Bush, west London. The incident occurred on February 28 last year when Morgan was riding an e-bike that had been illegally modified to surpass the legal speed limit of 15.5mph, allowing it to reach speeds of 27mph. While the court found that Morgan was not criminally responsible for the crash, the illegal modifications to his bike were cited as concerning factors leading up to the tragic event.
The victim of the collision, a man in his 60s, suffered fatal head injuries after being struck by the e-bike while attempting to cross Uxbridge Road. The court proceedings highlighted how Morgan was overtaking a bus at the time of the incident, and although the legal assessment did not pin responsibility on him for the crash, the illegal modifications of his bike brought serious consequences, leading to a six-month ban from driving.
This case raises significant implications regarding the regulation of e-bikes and the safety of both riders and pedestrians. With increasing popularity of e-bikes for transportation, the need for stricter enforcement of laws concerning modifications and speed limits is becoming increasingly evident. The tragic outcome of this incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by such illegal modifications and the importance of adhering to regulations designed to ensure safety on the roads.
