Florida Mother Shares Tragic Story of Son's E-bike Fatality to Raise Awareness

E-bike Crash Claims Teenager's Life

• 💔 A Polk County mother, Summer Barnes, is raising awareness after her 14-year-old son, Maddox Moore, was killed in an e-bike crash on July 1st.
• 😔 Maddox, a student at Auburndale High School, was visiting family in New Smyrna Beach when he was struck by a vehicle while riding an e-bike.
• ⚠️ While witnesses have differing accounts of whether Maddox was in the bike lane or turned, the circumstances of the crash are under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

Medical Perspective on E-bike Injuries

• 🏥 A pediatric emergency medicine physician at Tampa General Hospital, USF Health, reports an alarming spike in pediatric e-bike injuries this summer.
• 🤕 These injuries are often severe, including significant head trauma, brain bleeds, and long bone fractures requiring surgery.
• 💡 The doctor advises parents to be thoughtful about purchasing e-bikes for adolescents, emphasizing the need for conversations about responsibility and expectations, even if helmets are worn.

A Mother's Plea for Safety

• 🎗️ Maddox was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and underwent two brain surgeries, spending two weeks in the pediatric ICU before passing away.
• ⚖️ Barnes, who also lost her oldest daughter in a four-wheeler accident five years prior, hopes her son's tragic loss will prompt others to reconsider e-bike purchases for young riders.
• 🙏 She aims to ensure that Maddox's death is not in vain and encourages parents to think twice before buying e-bikes for their children.