BEND, Deschutes County, Ore., Oct. 4, 2026 — A 13-year-old boy was critically injured Friday night, October 2, when the e-motorcycle he was riding collided with a minivan in Bend. The crash happened at NE 27th Street and Neff Road.
The police said the crash occurred around 7:58 p.m. when a 51-year-old Bend man driving a minivan turned left and struck the boy's southbound e-motorcycle. Investigators identified the bike as a Surron model capable of speeds over 50 mph that is not legal for street use.
The teen was thrown from the e-motorcycle in the crash. Detectives said they believe he was wearing a helmet at the time. He was reported in critical condition following the collision. The driver remained at the scene and has not been cited. The case remains under investigation.
Police noted this was the second crash reported in one day in Bend involving a 13-year-old rider. Earlier Friday, another 13-year-old was struck by a car while riding an e-bike on Ray Road, according to the report.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died.
Motorcycle Fatalities in Context: What the Numbers Show
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists accounted for 15 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2023. That figure stands out because motorcycles, including e-motorcycles, make up a small fraction of vehicles on the road compared to cars and trucks.
The gap exists largely because riders have none of the structure that protects people in a car. A collision that might leave a car's occupants with bruises can throw a rider from the vehicle entirely, as happened in this case. Speed matters too: some e-motorcycle models can reach highway speeds despite being built and sold for off-road or recreational use, which can catch other drivers off guard when one appears in traffic.
Left-turn crashes, like the one described in this report, are a recurring pattern in motorcycle collision data nationally. A turning driver usually misjudges the speed or distance of an oncoming motorcycle, or simply does not see it until it is too late to stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What protective gear reduces injury for riders?
A DOT-approved helmet is the single most effective piece of gear, along with abrasion-resistant jackets and pants, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots. Reflective or brightly colored gear can also help other drivers spot a rider sooner.
What are the most common causes of motorcycle crashes?
Left-turning vehicles that fail to yield to oncoming motorcycles, distracted or impaired driving, and speed are among the most frequently cited factors in crash reports nationwide.
Why do motorcycle crashes tend to cause more serious injuries?
Riders lack the frame, airbags, and seatbelts that protect occupants in a car. Even a low-speed impact can throw a rider off the bike and onto pavement or into another vehicle.
How do left-turning cars cause motorcycle collisions?
A driver turning left across traffic may misjudge how fast an oncoming motorcycle is approaching or fail to see it at all, leading to a crash as the turning vehicle crosses the motorcycle's path.
What to Do After an E-Motorcycle Crash in Bend, OR
Anyone involved in a crash like this should call 911 right away and stay as still as possible until paramedics arrive, even if injuries seem minor at first. Head and internal injuries are not always obvious immediately after a crash.
Get a full medical evaluation as soon as possible, even for a rider who walks away from the scene. Keep records of any diagnosis, treatment, or follow-up care. If a child was involved, parents or guardians should also request a copy of the police report once it becomes available, since it may be needed for insurance or medical purposes.
