Teen, 17, Faces Manslaughter Charge After Woman’s Death in Perth Park

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A 17-year-old boy has been charged with manslaughter, driving without authority, and using an unlicensed vehicle on a road after he allegedly fatally struck a 59-year-old woman in Edgewater, Perth, while riding an unregistered electric off-road motorbike.

On July 26, 2025, at around 2:30 p.m., WA Police observed the teenager riding the motorbike erratically through Woodvale, reportedly exceeding 100 km/h in a 50 km/h zone and losing control multiple times. The bike had a damaged tyre and was described by authorities as high-powered, though it was unclear whether it had been modified. Moments later, the motorbike collided with the pedestrian as she walked through Picnic Cove Park near Edgewater Drive. Emergency services responded quickly and transported the woman to Joondalup Health Campus, where she passed away overnight.

Detective Sergeant Ollie Edwards described the crash as tragic and emphasized the devastating impact of reckless behavior. The teenager was taken into custody and appeared in Perth Children’s Court on July 27. He remains in detention while legal proceedings continue.

Perth has now recorded three fatal incidents involving e-rideables in 2025. In May, Kevin Sanders, 31, died in an e-scooter collision, followed by the June death of Thanh Phan, 51. Detective Edwards warned that some e-rideables, particularly off-road motorbikes, can reach speeds of more than 110 km/h, far exceeding safe limits for public areas. Witnesses at Picnic Cove Park said they saw medics performing CPR as bystanders tried to assist, describing the scene as deeply distressing.

WA Police are appealing for dash-cam or mobile footage capturing the teenager’s movements through Woodvale and Edgewater in the minutes before the crash. They are also seeking footage from shared paths near Lake Joondalup. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The tragedy has intensified calls for tighter regulations on e-rideables and stronger enforcement measures. With increased reports of youth operating high-powered electric vehicles dangerously, community leaders are urging reforms that include vehicle registration, licensing, rider education, and limits on where certain devices can be used.

As Perth continues to face preventable accidents linked to e-mobility, the incident has become a flashpoint in the wider debate on safety, regulation, and personal responsibility.