ROCHESTER, Oakland County, Mich., Sept. 17, 2026 — A 42-year-old Rochester Hills man was seriously injured Monday morning, September 14, when the electric motorcycle he was riding collided with a pickup truck near West Avon Road and Old Perch Road, authorities said.
The crash happened around 7:25 a.m. at the intersection, according to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. Authorities said the man had reportedly been riding the electric motorcycle on the sidewalk before entering the roadway at the intersection, where a pickup truck driven by a 20-year-old Lake Orion man was headed east on Avon Road.
A witness told investigators the truck entered the intersection against a red light. Authorities said the motorcycle rider had started into the crosswalk but moved outside it after another vehicle blocked his path, and the collision happened moments later.
The rider was not wearing a helmet, according to the sheriff's office. He was taken to a hospital in Troy and was listed in stable condition with serious injuries. The crash remains under investigation, and no citations had been announced as of Thursday.
The sheriff's office has said it is seeing a rise in crashes involving e-bikes and electric motorcycles and has called for clearer state rules on who can operate them and where.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
What the Numbers Show About Motorcycle Crash Risk
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists accounted for 15 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2023, even though motorcycles make up a small share of registered vehicles on the road. That gap reflects how little protection a rider has compared with someone inside a car or truck; there is no frame, airbag, or seatbelt between the rider and the pavement or another vehicle.
Intersections are a common setting for these crashes because they involve vehicles crossing paths at angles, often with a driver misjudging the speed or distance of an oncoming motorcycle or e-bike. The rise of electric motorcycles and e-bikes has added a newer variable: many of these vehicles can reach speeds close to a standard motorcycle's, but riders and other drivers may not immediately recognize them as needing the same caution.
Helmet use also affects outcomes substantially. Federal crash data consistently shows helmeted riders are less likely to suffer fatal head injuries than unhelmeted riders involved in comparable crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do left-turning or crossing vehicles cause motorcycle collisions?
Drivers making a turn or crossing a road often fail to see an approaching motorcycle or misjudge how fast it is closing, since a motorcycle's narrower profile can be harder to spot than a car.
What can drivers do to watch for motorcycles at intersections?
Checking twice before turning or pulling into traffic, looking specifically for motorcycles and e-bikes, and never assuming the road is clear based on a quick glance can help drivers catch smaller vehicles they might otherwise miss.
What should a rider do immediately after a motorcycle crash?
Call 911, stay as still as possible if injured, and avoid removing a helmet unless there's an immediate danger like fire. Getting checked at a hospital afterward is important even if injuries seem minor at first.
Are motorcycle crashes more common at intersections?
Yes. A large share of motorcycle and car collisions happen at intersections, often involving a turning or crossing vehicle failing to yield.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Rochester Hills, MI
If you were involved in a motorcycle crash in Rochester Hills, you should seek medical evaluation right away, even if pain or injury isn't obvious at first, since adrenaline can mask symptoms.
Remember to contact local police to file an official report if one hasn't already been taken at the scene, and try to get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Make sure to photograph the vehicles, the intersection, and any visible injuries if it's safe to do so. Keep records of medical visits and any correspondence with insurance companies in the days that follow.
