CLARKS SUMMIT, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — An 11-year-old boy suffered serious injuries Thursday morning after crashing an electric motocross-style bike into a vehicle in Clarks Summit, according to police.
The Clarks Summit Police Department said officers were dispatched to the area of Harwood Avenue at approximately 10:08 a.m. for a reported crash involving an electric bicycle.
Investigators determined the juvenile was operating an unregistered electric motocross-style bike on Harwood Avenue when he failed to stop at a posted stop sign at the intersection of Earl Street and entered the roadway directly in front of a vehicle traveling on Earl Street. The vehicle was being operated by Paul Sokolsky, police said.
The boy suffered serious injuries in the collision and was transported to Geisinger Community Medical Center. Police said he was expected to be airlifted to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for specialized treatment.
The crash comes as Clarks Summit police continue enforcement efforts involving electric bikes. According to the department, officers have issued seven traffic citations over the past month to repeat offenders for operating e-bikes while under the age of 16. Police said numerous warnings have also been issued to juveniles and parents regarding legal requirements and safety concerns associated with e-bike operation.
Police reminded residents that motocross-style electric bikes are required by law to be registered, insured and inspected, and operators must possess a valid Class M motorcycle license. The department also noted that operating such e-bikes under the age of 16 is illegal.