A 14-year-old girl was critically injured Wednesday night after a motorcycle struck her electric skateboard near Wellington, in a crash that left two teenagers hospitalized and investigators noting that neither was wearing safety equipment.
The collision happened around 10 p.m. near 9396 Pinion Drive, where Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office investigators said the girl was riding eastbound on the electric skateboard when a Kawasaki motorcycle driven by a 14-year-old boy hit her. The girl suffered major injuries, including two brain bleeds, pelvic bleeding and a lacerated spleen. The boy had minor injuries.
Friends who were nearby said the impact was immediate and violent. Alex Melgarejo said, “I just heard a boom,” and then saw one of the teens on the ground calling for help. He said the response brought “firetrucks, ambulances, a lot of cops blocking off the road for hours,” and recalled, “The girl was not moving at all. I just felt really bad for them.” The friends called 911 right away.
The crash fits into a broader safety problem that has been building as micromobility devices such as electric skateboards and e-bikes grow more common. County data showed six fatal crashes in 2025 involving micromobility devices, and state lawmakers have been pushing new rules. Senate Bill 382 would add measures such as speed limits for e-bikes on sidewalks and create a safety task force, and it was awaiting the governor’s signature.
Tony Barbanente said riders need to understand the risks before they get on the road. “Whatever the mobility device — scooter, bicycle, skateboard, motorcycle — be aware of what you’re riding,” he said. “Know the hazards, know its limitations, and wear the proper safety equipment.” He added that in some areas these devices are very popular, but “the laws haven’t quite kept up with the growth of the space and products.”
The girl was expected to survive, but the injuries and the age of both riders make the crash a stark reminder that these devices are no longer fringe toys. They are part of everyday traffic now, and the rules, habits and protection around them are still catching up.
Melgarejo said he hopes she recovers soon and that her parents get through it, a simple wish that now hangs over a case with no easy answers.
