LEBANON, Ohio — An 11-year-old girl was airlifted to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital with “serious injuries” Tuesday after a vehicle struck her while she was riding an electric scooter in Lebanon, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
According to OSHP, the girl was riding south on Revere’s Run at 4:06 p.m. when she stopped at an intersection. She then proceeded across Miller Road, where a passing Ford Expedition struck her in the eastbound lanes.
The girl was not wearing a helmet, OSHP said. The 33-year-old Lebanon resident driving the Expedition was not injured.
WCPO 9 is not naming the driver because authorities did not charge her.
The Lebanon post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. Lebanon city police and firefighters also responded.
District officials said the girl attends Berry Intermediate School in Lebanon City Schools.
School officials said students made cards for their classmate Wednesday and made counseling resources, including therapy support, available to students who know her.
Lebanon Police Chief Jeffrey Mitchell said the department has not handled any similar crashes involving e-bikes or electric scooters this year. However, officers have noticed more riders in the community.
Although the highway patrol continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash, Mitchell said the incident highlights that roadway safety is a shared responsibility.
“Our thoughts are with the young person and her family during this difficult time,” Mitchell said in a statement. “We encourage e-bike and electric scooter riders to wear a properly fitted helmet, follow the rules of the road, remain alert to surrounding traffic, and make themselves visible. We also ask motorists to remain attentive and watch for these riders. Keeping everyone safe on our roadways is a shared responsibility.”
Mayor Mark Messer said the city is not currently considering regulations targeting electric scooters or e-bikes. However, he asked city staff to examine adding crosswalk markings at the Miller Road and Revere’s Run intersection as soon as possible.
“I did ask staff to look at getting those intersections lined with crosswalks ASAP as a first step,” Messer said.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said the investigation is ongoing.
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