'Severely impacted' - Man who fractured leg in South Shields e-bike smash when machine 'broke' is fined
A mechanic faces court after an e-bike accident caused serious injuries and legal repercussions.
An electric bike rider suffered serious leg injuries when his machine broke, causing him to speed up and slam into the side of a car in South Tyneside.
Connor Moyse, 22, lost control of the borrowed machine when its handlebar snapped mid-ride in Galsworthy Road, Whiteleas, on Wednesday, February 4.
The defect caused him to accidentally power up the throttle, sending him uncontrollably into a stationary Audi, a court heard.
Moyse, of Hopkins Walk, South Shields, was left stricken in the road and needed emergency medical help for a fractured tibia and a knee injury.
He spent six weeks in hospital recovering and hobbled into court on crutches to face charges of driving without a licence and no insurance.
Borough magistrates were told he was not “zooming around”, but he had been riding on the pavement and the accident happened when he suddenly veered towards the road.
His solicitor revealed he would likely be left with a long-term leg problem and had already suffered a greater penalty than they could impose.
In the event, Moyse pleaded guilty to both charges and was banned from the roads for nine months.
Prosecutor Jade Houston said: “Officers were asked to attend a road traffic collision in Galsworthy Road, where an electric bike and an Audi have collided.
“The defendant was lying on the ground, getting treatment from paramedics. He was identified as the rider. He was not licensed or insured.
“He suffered injuries to his legs and spent time in hospital. The defendant hasn’t passed his test and there was damage caused.”
David Forrester, defending, said: “It’s not for you to make more of this than he has himself.
“He suffered a fractured tibia and there was a knee injury. He spent six weeks in hospital. He’s been on crutches since hospital.
“He’s been on one of these Sur-Ron electric bikes which you’re probably aware of. He wasn’t zooming around. He was originally charged with careless driving.
“He was riding the bike at the appropriate speed but went into an Audi car which was not moving.
“We know this because there was a bus behind that had a camera at the front.
“For no discernible reason when about 6ft from the car, he sped up. He says that the bike effectively broke.”
He added: “It was a friend’s bike. The bar broke and the throttle was pressed, the bike suddenly accelerated and he went into the car.
“It was not that he was zooming along at speed. He wasn’t properly insured and only has a provisional licence.
“He’s been severely impacted by this. His mobility has been impacted by this and will continue to be.”
Magistrates also fined Moyse £120 and he must pay £85 court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.