An illegally riding an e-scooter caused the death of a teenager. He was listening to his music and turned onto the street behind a van.
George McGowan (aged 19) was already stopped by police for illegally riding his Xiaomi Mi Pro at 15mph just two months prior the accident that claimed the life of George McGowan.
McGowan didn’t listen to the warning, and instead, on the morning of the accident, he drove off the pavement in front of two cars and crossed the street into the path of a Volkswagen EOS. Margaret O’Sullivan was less than a second away.
Marie White, the mother of Mr McGowan, described to the inquest her running to the crash site after hearing that ambulances were near Portsmouth in Hampshire.
She held onto her son until he arrived at the hospital. Unfortunately, he died 10 days later following a head injury that was deemed ‘catastrophic.
George McGowan (age 19) suffered serious injuries after colliding with a Volkswagen EOS at Paulsgrove in Portsmouth, on June 12, 2012.
Ms. White described the feeling of being ‘numb’, ‘heartbroken’ and in disbelief at that time. She said she now feels empty after his passing.
Portsmouth Coroners Court learned that the teenage had been spending the day with Lilly Haskett, his four-month-old girlfriend.
Rosamund Rhodes Kemp, Area Coroner said that George had been riding down the Ludlow Road footpath in his electric scooter. [in Portsmouth]And he decided to cross over the road at the point that there was a gap between the vehicles.
“But, at that gap there was a large van to the left hand side. He did not seem to check for other vehicles. Most likely, he was listening and not hearing anything.
“He pulls between two parked cars. (Driver) Miss O’Sullivan drove and collided with her vehicle. It is impossible for her to escape him.
It occurred in Portsmouth, Hampshire at Leominster Road, just a few minutes from McGowan’s house.
Mr McGowan was riding a 15mph Xiaomi Mi Pro (pictured) at the time of the collision, which he had been warned not to use on public roads
“He’s first struck by the windscreen, which catapults his car over it and then lands him on the road. He suffers a severe brain injury.”
He also found Mr McGowan’s Airpods on the spot, along with his Lacoste sliders shoes.
According to her, the scooter’s motor was 300-watt and it could travel up to 15 mph. Illegally, he was driving along the street on a footpath in an unsafe location. He chose an unsafe, unsuitable location to cross.
“He was on an illegal electric scooter at that time.” The police had stopped him two months earlier and issued a warning.
Ms. White stated that George was the one she recognized immediately upon seeing him in the street. His sliders were right at his feet. He was taken to the hospital and I held on to his hand. “I was shocked.
Public roads and pavements in the UK have been closed to private-owned e-scooters. You can rent them in the areas that are involved in the e-scooter trial. Image: Stock photo
After the accident at 8.23pm on June 12, the warehouse worker was taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital Portsmouth before being transferred to Southampton General Hospital, where he received emergency treatment.
Ms. White was present at the hospital daily until her son died on June 22.
I visited him for one hour each day in the hospital, but he was already in an induced state. They told me there wasn’t anything more that they could do.
“I felt numb and disbelief, was heartbroken, and was completely unable to comprehend what I had just experienced. It’s hard to describe how that day felt and what I feel today. George is the only person in my life that makes me feel complete.
According to the court, the Liverpool FC fan bought the scooter from Halfords three months prior and rides it daily.
McGowan was at that time a provisional driver’s license.
Robert James, who was present at the scene, said that George did not stop or check to make sure the roads were clear.
“He was hit by the vehicle. He was airborne after the windscreen cracked and he then rolled up on to the roof.
“He turned in the air briefly before landing on the road.
After confirming that the teenage victim died from a car accident, Mrs Rhodes Kemp stated: “Miss O’Sullivan had been a careful driver. The teenager had been driving for more than 20 years.
George suffered epilepsy and epileptic activity was not ruled out. But, George does appear to be fine down the road until he turns.
“It looks like an easy, confident walk down the footpath. He thought it was his first chance to cross the road. [point]To cross his path.
“He looked like a beautiful lad. Your grief is beyond my comprehension. I truly am sorry.
The website of Portsmouth City Council states that it is illegal to ride an e-scooter private on public roads, but can be used on private land.
Private e-scooters can be bought for anywhere up from £400 from the likes of Halfords and Argos.
E-scooters are motor vehicles and require a driver’s license.
Riders face a £300 fine and points on any current or future driver’s licence for using them illegally.