Crystal Lake, IL (August 7, 2026) – A minor was critically hurt on Wednesday afternoon after an e-bike and a vehicle collided near the intersection of Walkup Road and Dvorak Road in Crystal Lake.
Emergency units were dispatched to the intersection around 1 p.m. and arrived within four minutes. They found the child in the roadway with life-threatening injuries. A medical helicopter was requested due to the severity of the injuries, but the patient was transported by ambulance to Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital after the helicopter’s estimated arrival time was deemed too long.
Fire rescue personnel provided medical care before securing the roadway and transferring the investigation to the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office. Additional details, including the circumstances surrounding the collision and the identities of those involved, have not been released.
The investigation into the collision is continuing as investigators work to determine what led to it.
We are thinking of the child and family during this difficult time and hope for a full recovery.
Why E-Bike Crashes Can Result in Serious Injuries
E-bikes are becoming more common on neighborhood streets and shared roadways, offering a convenient way to travel. Because they can reach higher speeds than traditional bicycles, collisions involving motor vehicles may lead to severe injuries, especially when young riders are involved.
Investigators often review roadway markings, visibility, traffic controls, vehicle positions, and witness accounts to better understand how an e-bike collision occurred. They may also examine whether helmets were used, lighting conditions, and the movement of both the e-bike and the vehicle before contact. These details help build a clearer picture of the sequence of events and may identify safety improvements that could reduce the risk of similar collisions in the future.
