POWELLHURST-GILBERT, Multnomah County, Ore., Sept. 23, 2026 — A man riding a motorized scooter was critically injured Monday afternoon, September 21, when he was struck by a TriMet Lift bus in the 4300 block of Southeast 136th Avenue, according to the Portland Police Bureau.
The crash was reported around 4:27 p.m., police said. Portland Fire & Rescue and Portland Police officers responding to the scene found the scooter operator with life-threatening injuries. He was taken to a nearby hospital by ambulance.
The bus driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with responding officers.
The Portland Police Traffic Division is leading the investigation. We hope the injured rider recovers fully.
What the Numbers Show About Cyclist and Scooter Crashes
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol involvement was reported in 34 percent of fatal pedalcyclist crashes in 2023. That figure covers impairment on either side of the crash, the driver or the rider, and it points to how often something other than simple inattention plays a role when someone on two wheels is killed or badly hurt in traffic.
Scooter riders are counted separately in most crash data, but they share the road position of cyclists: smaller, slower than surrounding traffic, and hard for drivers to see in mirrors or blind spots. Buses and other large vehicles add another layer of risk because of wide turning paths and limited sightlines near the front and side of the vehicle.
Local numbers can shift fast within a single neighborhood. Two serious crashes involving people on bikes or scooters in the same area within a few weeks does not necessarily reflect a citywide trend, but it does tend to draw closer scrutiny from traffic investigators and city planners looking at intersection design and bus routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most car-bicycle collisions happen?
Most occur at intersections or driveways, where a turning or crossing vehicle fails to see a cyclist in time, rather than on open stretches of road.
What is "dooring" and why is it dangerous?
Dooring happens when someone opens a parked car door into the path of a passing cyclist. It can throw a rider into traffic with little warning, and it's a common cause of injury in areas with on-street parking.
How can cyclists stay safer in traffic?
Riding predictably, using lights and reflective gear, and making eye contact with drivers at intersections can help. Staying out of a vehicle's blind spot, especially near buses and trucks, is also important.
What should a cyclist do after a crash with a car?
Call 911, stay at the scene if possible, and get checked by a medical provider even if injuries seem minor. Get the other driver's information and ask for a police report number for the record.
What to Do After a Bicycle or Scooter Crash in Powellhurst-Gilbert, OR
Anyone involved in a crash with a bus or car should seek medical evaluation right away, even if pain or injury isn't immediately obvious. Adrenaline can mask symptoms of a head injury or internal bleeding for hours.
It's also worth writing down what you remember as soon as you're able: the time, direction of travel, and anything the other driver said. If you witnessed a crash like this one, reporting what you saw to Portland Police Traffic Division investigators can help fill in gaps in the official record. Neighbors and commuters in Powellhurst-Gilbert who travel SE 136th Avenue regularly are encouraged to stay alert near bus stops and turning lanes as the investigation continues.
