Man Riding E-Scooter Dies In Wrong-Way Riverside Crash

RIVERSIDE, CA — A 56-year-old man died in an e-scooter crash Thursday while navigating Butte Drive, Riverside Police say.

Just after 2 p.m., Riverside’s Public Safety Communications Center received reports of a person on the ground next to an electric scooter in the 6800 block of Butte Drive. Emergency responders arrived to find the man lying next to an e-scooter.

"Despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced deceased at the scene," said Traffic Bureau Sgt. Tim Jensen.

The victim was riding a black GoTrax Apex Pro Commuting electric scooter while wearing a DOT-approved helmet when he crashed, according to preliminary reports.

The rider was traveling southbound on Butte Dr., against the flow of traffic, when he attempted to ride from the roadway onto a driveway to access the sidewalk and lost control of the e-scooter, according to Jensen.

No other vehicles or parties were involved in the collision. It is unknown whether drugs or alcohol were factors.

“This tragic incident is a reminder that riders should always operate electric scooters in the same direction as traffic, remain alert to changes in pavement or elevation, and ride at a speed that allows them to maintain control,” Jensen said. “Even when wearing a helmet, a loss of control can have devastating consequences.”

The Riverside Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Riverside Police Department Traffic Detective Jeff Derouin at (951) 826-8722 or JDerouin@RiversideCA.gov and reference report number 260016877.