St. Johns County officials are intensifying efforts to address mounting e-bike safety concerns after injuries among young riders continue to rise in 2025.

Hours before a packed town hall meeting at the Ponte Vedra Branch Library, Sheriff Rob Hardwick said a 7-year-old collided with a car and was transported to Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

According to hospital data, e-bike-related injuries are on pace to double compared to 2024.

“I was actually on the radio this morning when I heard that incident with the seven-year-old boy, and I just get sick to my stomach,” Hardwick said. “We want these kids to be kids. We don’t want to take away that element of being out and being involved in their community and being active.”

Hardwick said his office has already implemented several measures to com

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