A person riding an electric bike is fighting for life after a hit-and-run crash at South High Street and Mound Street on Tuesday morning, according to Columbus police. Investigators say the rider was moving through the intersection on a green light when a vehicle hit the e-bike, threw the rider off, and kept going. The victim was rushed to Grant Medical Center in critical condition.
Crash details
According to WSYX, the vehicle involved was a white 2016 Chrysler 300 that was headed west on E. Mound Street. The station reports the Chrysler squeezed between two westbound vehicles - one stopped for a red light and another slowing for it - then entered the intersection, crushed the front of the electric bike, and knocked the rider to the pavement. The driver did not stop.
Investigation
The Accident Investigation Unit responded to the scene and opened an investigation, which is ongoing,
WSYX reports. The outlet also notes the driver continued westbound on W. Mound Street after the impact and that the rider was taken to Grant Medical Center in life-threatening condition.
Why this matters
National research has flagged a steep rise in e-bike injuries and related hospital visits in recent years. A JAMA Surgery analysis found e-bicycle injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments climbed sharply from 2017 to 2022. The study also reported that e-bike crashes are more likely than traditional bicycle collisions to involve motor vehicles and to result in hospital admission, underscoring how dangerous intersections can be for riders, as per JAMA Surgery.
Safety context
Medical and surgical organizations have been pushing for better data and public education around electric bikes to help curb severe injuries. The American College of Surgeons, along with partner groups, has called for clearer tracking of e-bike crashes and more targeted safety measures as these bikes become more common on city streets, according to the American College of Surgeons.
The Accident Investigation Unit continues to examine the circumstances of the collision. Authorities have not released any additional identifying information about the driver as the investigation moves forward.
