Reformative training for teen e-bike rider who injured 2 people in hit-and-run accident

SINGAPORE – A teenage electric bicycle rider who fled the scene after he struck two people, including a wheelchair user, was ordered on Sept 23 to undergo reformative training for at least a year.

Young offenders sent for reformative training are detained in a centre to observe a strict regimen that can include foot drills and counselling.

The young man, now 19, was also disqualified from holding or obtaining all classes of driving licences for two years from his date of release.

In August, he pleaded guilty to

one count of riding an e-bicycle in a dangerous manner

and an unrelated housebreaking charge.

Four other charges, including one count of theft, which he committed when he was 17 years old in June 2023, were considered during sentencing.

He cannot be identified as young people who commit offences while below the age of 18 are covered under the Children and Young Persons Act.

The teenager was making a food delivery on the power-assisted bicycle (PAB) around 7.30pm on July 11 when he ran a red light at the junction of Vista Exchange Green in Buona Vista. His vehicle struck two people who were crossing the road, but instead of helping them, he sped away.

One of the victims, a 31-year-old woman from the Philippines, had minor injuries. The second victim, a 33-year-old wheelchair user, had head injuries and ended up being hospitalised for six days.

In an unrelated case, the teenager broke into a minimart in Tiong Bahru on four occasions in April and May to commit theft.

He sneaked into the shop early in the morning by raising the shutters and crawling in. He then stole $3,910 in cash and four packs of cigarettes.

For riding a PAB in a dangerous manner, an offender can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $10,000.

Offenders convicted of housebreaking can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined.