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BON AIR, Chesterfield County, Va., Oct. 16, 2026 — A man suffered life-threatening injuries Thursday morning, October 15, after an electric bike crash at the intersection of Forest Hill Avenue and Buford Road in Bon Air, Virginia.
The crash happened around 10:30 a.m. County Police. Police said the man was reportedly attempting a wheelie on the e-bike when he lost control, went over an embankment, and ended up in the parking lot of a nearby CVS pharmacy.
He was taken to Chippenham Hospital with injuries described as life-threatening. Police confirmed he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and no further details have been released.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
A Common Misconception About E-Bike and Motorcycle Crashes
Many people assume crashes like this one are mostly caused by other drivers failing to see a rider, especially at intersections. That does happen, but a large share of serious injuries on two-wheeled vehicles come from single-vehicle events: loss of control, a rider's own maneuver, road surface problems, or a mechanical issue, with no other vehicle involved at all.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 49,989 pedalcyclists were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. That figure encompasses a wide range of circumstances, not just collisions with cars, and it underscores how often injuries on bikes and e-bikes occur without another driver's actions playing a role.
The assumption that a helmet only matters in a crash with a car doesn't hold up either. Falls, embankments, and loss of control at low speed can produce head injuries just as serious as those from a collision with a vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do left-turning cars cause motorcycle or e-bike collisions?
A driver turning left across traffic may misjudge the speed or distance of an oncoming motorcycle or e-bike, or simply not see it in time, putting the rider directly in the vehicle's path.
What can drivers do to watch for motorcycles and e-bikes?
Checking twice before turning or changing lanes, giving extra time at intersections, and remembering that smaller vehicles can be harder to spot in traffic all help reduce close calls.
What should a rider do after a crash?
Get off the roadway if possible, call 911, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor at first, since some injuries, especially to the head, aren't obvious right away.
Are motorcycle and e-bike accidents more common at intersections?
Intersections are frequent locations for these crashes due to turning traffic and limited reaction time, though single-vehicle incidents away from intersections are also common.
What to Do After a Motorcycle or E-Bike Crash in Bon Air, VA
Anyone involved in an e-bike or motorcycle crash in Bon Air should call 911 right away and wait for police and medical responders. Even if injuries seem minor, a full medical evaluation is important, since impacts and falls can cause internal or head injuries that aren't apparent immediately.
Take photos of the scene if it's safe to do so, and get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Keep a copy of the police report once it's filed, and follow up with a doctor if any pain, swelling, or disorientation develops in the days after the crash.
