E-bike tragedy: Teenager charged over death of another child in Queensland crash

Police have charged a child over the death of another child in a shocking e-bike crash last month.

Emergency crews were called out to Kawana Way and Sunshine Motorway interchange at Mountain Creek about 3.36pm on October 30 after reports of a crash involving two e-bikes.

Eight-year-old Zeke Hondow was rushed to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a critical condition, but later died.

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He had been riding his e-bike home from school when he crashed with the other boy, also riding an e-bike.

Both e-bikes were seized, with police confirming both boys were wearing helmets at the time.

Following investigations, police said officers arrested the other child, a 15-year-old Buderim boy, on Tuesday.

“We’ve identified the 15-year-old is to blame for this accident,” Detective Acting Inspector Peter Hocken said.

He said the boy had been riding an illegal e-bike and was doing so in a dangerous manner.

Hocken added Zeke had also been riding an illegal e-bike under the supervision of a family member, but there was no evidence to suggest he had been riding dangerously.

The 15-year-old has been charged with one count each of dangerous operation of vehicle causing death, unlicensed driving, unregistered vehicle and uninsured vehicle.

He is due to appear in Maroochydore Children’s Court on November 26.

Under Queensland’s Adult Crime, Adult Time laws, he could face a maximum penalty of up to 14 years’ jail.

A GoFundMe launched by Zeke’s family has raised over $18,000.

Only days later, a 15-year-old e-bike rider died after crashing on the Gold Coast and another teenager was injured in a separate e-bike incident on the Gold Coast just hours prior.

The crash sent shockwaves through the community and calls for tougher laws around e-bikes.

Queensland’s Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said at the time that governments at all levels must do more to address the growing e-bike issue.

“My thoughts are with the family and the friends … I’ve got an eight-year-old son myself. I can only imagine what they’re going through right now,” he said.

“We’ve seen rapid evolution of this technology very quickly, but I think it’s fair to say that governments at all levels need to do more to tackle this.”

Superintendent Brad Inskip urged parents to be cautious with e-bikes, especially ahead of the festive season.

“I just want to send a message to all parents and carers out in our community that if they are considering buying one of these devices or if their child already has one of these devices, please do some research and find out what the legalities are of the device,” he said.

“I can’t stress that enough that it’s really important as we see here today and we’re talking about a terrible tragedy, a terrible incident where there are no winners.”

Police said investigations are ongoing.