A 16-year-old boy died yesterday after his electric motorcycle collided with a box truck in Half Moon Bay, authorities said. The crash took place near Highway 1 and Terrace Avenue around 12:15 p.m., and medics rushed the teen to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office said deputies tried to help the teen at the scene before he was transported to the hospital, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The sheriff's statement about the collision was also circulated on social media when CAL FIRE CZU retweeted the department's post.
The Sheriff’s Office has learned that a 16-year-old involved in an electric motorcycle collision Monday afternoon in the City of Half Moon Bay has died. The Sheriff’s Office Major Accident Investigation Team is conducting a thorough investigation. More: https://t.co/xUeOXxMJzd pic.twitter.com/4sclGkEHza
— San Mateo County Sheriff's Office (@SMCSheriff) February 10, 2026
Officials Call Crash ‘Truly Tragic’
Sheriff Kenneth Binder called the collision "a truly tragic incident" and urged parents to learn the rules of the road for electric bikes and similar vehicles, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. Authorities have not yet released the teenager's name, saying they are still notifying relatives.
Major Accident Team Probing Scene
San Mateo County's Major Accident Investigation Team is handling the case and has been documenting the roadway and taking measurements as part of a detailed probe, according to the sheriff's post that was shared by CAL FIRE CZU. Investigators said the box-truck driver stayed at the scene, had a valid license and did not show signs of impairment.
Why Officials Say ‘Electric Motorcycle’ Matters
Under California law there is a big legal difference between a low-speed electric bicycle and a more powerful motor-driven bike. An "electric bicycle" must have working pedals and a motor rated at 750 watts or less. Vehicles that are built or modified to go beyond those limits, or that do not have pedals, are not treated as e-bikes under the state Vehicle Code. That classification affects whether the vehicle needs a license, registration and specific safety equipment. The law also requires manufacturers to label the class and top assisted speed of electric bicycles, according to the California Vehicle Code.
Safety Reminders For Riders And Parents
Local officers and safety advocates have warned that high-powered two-wheelers can blur legal categories and put inexperienced riders in danger. They urge families to read the labels on the bike, insist on helmet use and confirm whether the vehicle requires a driver's license to ride legally. Anyone with information about Monday's crash is asked to contact the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office. Local outlets list the department's public line as 650-363-4911 for tips and nonemergency calls, according to Patch.
The sheriff's office said the investigation is ongoing and that more details will be released as they become available. This story will be updated if officials share additional information.
