As a Suffolk County motorcycle accident lawyer team serving families across Long Island, we know how frightening a late-night call about a crash is for parents. Two 15-year-old boys were injured late Monday night, October 26, 2026, when the electric motorcycle they were riding together collided with a car in East Northport, according to News 12 Long Island. Below we share what has been reported, why crashes involving electric motorcycles and e-bikes are on the rise, and what injured riders and their families should know about their rights in New York.
What Happened in East Northport
According to News 12 Long Island, the crash happened at about 10 p.m. on Monday in front of 280 Larkfield Road in East Northport. Police said the two teens were riding an electric limited-use Class A motorcycle northbound on the sidewalk when it struck a 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis that was leaving a parking lot. The car was driven by a 33-year-old East Northport man.
The teen passenger suffered serious injuries and was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital. The 15-year-old operating the motorcycle had minor injuries and was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip. The driver of the car was not hurt and stayed at the scene. Both vehicles were impounded for safety checks, and Suffolk County Police Second Squad detectives are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call the Second Squad at 631-854-8252.
No charges have been reported, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Our thoughts are with both boys and their families, and we wish them a full recovery.
Case Today (212) 977-2020
Why Electric Motorcycle and E-Bike Crashes Are Increasing on Long Island
Electric motorcycles, mopeds, e-bikes and e-scooters have become a common sight on Long Island streets, especially among teens. They are quiet, fast and easy to buy online, and many families are not sure which rules apply to which device. That confusion matters: under New York law, the type of vehicle affects licensing, registration, insurance and even where it can be ridden.
The New York State DMV classifies limited-use motorcycles (mopeds) by top speed:
- Class A (over 30 up to 40 mph) requires an M or MJ motorcycle license or permit, registration, insurance, and a helmet and eye protection, and may be ridden in any traffic lane.
- Class B (over 20 up to 30 mph) requires a driver license, registration, insurance, helmet and eye protection, and must stay in the right-hand lane or shoulder except when turning left.
- Class C (20 mph or less) requires a driver license and registration; insurance and a helmet are recommended.
The DMV also states that a moped can never be operated on a sidewalk. Common risk factors we see in these crashes include drivers pulling out of driveways and parking lots without seeing a small, quiet vehicle, riders carrying passengers on vehicles not designed for two, low visibility at night, and riders who lack the training required for faster machines. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers motorcycle safety resources for riders and drivers alike.
Your Legal Rights After a Long Island Motorcycle Accident
Every crash is different, and fault is determined by the evidence, not by first impressions. Even when a rider may have broken a rule, New York follows pure comparative negligence, meaning an injured person’s compensation may be reduced by their share of fault but is not automatically barred. A careful investigation of sightlines, driver conduct, vehicle speed and road conditions can make a major difference.
A few New York rules every injured rider and family should know:
- No-Fault works differently for motorcycles. New York’s No-Fault system covers occupants of cars, but motorcycles are treated differently, and motorcycle riders generally cannot collect No-Fault benefits the way car occupants can. That makes the at-fault driver’s liability coverage and your own policy terms especially important. An attorney can review which policies may apply to an electric motorcycle or moped.
- Statute of limitations. Most personal injury claims in New York must be filed within three years. Deadlines for injured minors can be extended, but evidence fades quickly, so it is wise to act early.
- Claims against municipalities. If a road defect or a town, county or state roadway condition contributed to a crash, a Notice of Claim generally must be filed within 90 days.
- Wrongful death. When a crash is fatal, New York generally allows two years to bring a wrongful death claim.
What To Do After a Moped, E-Bike or Motorcycle Accident
- Get medical care right away. Head, spine and internal injuries are not always obvious at the scene.
- Report the crash to police and get the incident or report number.
- Document everything: photos of the scene, vehicles, sightlines, injuries, helmets and gear.
- Collect witness names and note nearby businesses that may have security cameras. Video is often overwritten within days.
- Keep the vehicle and gear as-is if possible. They may be important evidence.
- Avoid recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with a lawyer.
- Talk to an experienced attorney about insurance coverage, medical bills and long-term needs, especially when a child is hurt.
How Chaikin Trial Group Can Help
Chaikin Trial Group is a trial-focused Long Island personal injury law firm with an office in Melville, just minutes from East Northport, and another in Manhattan. Our team handles motorcycle and moped accidents, motor vehicle accidents, bicycle and e-bike accidents, and pedestrian accidents throughout Suffolk and Nassau counties. We move quickly to preserve evidence, identify every available insurance policy, and work with medical experts to understand the full cost of an injury.
You can learn more about our practice areas, review our case results, or read what our clients say. If you or your child was hurt, a Suffolk County motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm can review your situation in a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win. Contact us online to get started.
FAQ
Do I need a Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer if I was riding a moped or electric motorcycle?
Often, yes. Moped and electric motorcycle claims involve unique questions about vehicle class, registration and insurance. A Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer can sort out which policies apply and protect your claim while you recover.
What should I do after a moped accident if the driver says I was at fault?
Do not argue at the scene or accept blame. Get medical care, document the scene and speak with an attorney. Under New York’s comparative negligence rule, you may still recover compensation even if you share some fault.
Is an electric bike accident lawyer different from a motorcycle accident lawyer?
The legal principles overlap, but e-bikes, e-scooters and mopeds are each regulated differently in New York. Look for a firm experienced with all types of two-wheeled vehicle crashes. You can also browse our common questions about personal injury claims.
How long do I have to file after a Long Island motorcycle accident?
Generally three years for personal injury claims in New York, with shorter notice deadlines (often 90 days) for claims against government entities. Deadlines for minors may be extended, but early action protects evidence.
Conclusion
The East Northport crash is a reminder of how quickly a ride on an electric motorcycle can turn serious, especially at night and around driveways and parking lots. If you or a loved one was hurt, a Suffolk County motorcycle accident lawyer at Chaikin Trial Group is ready to listen. Reach out online for a free consultation, and see all the communities we serve.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
