This was published 7 months ago
‘Not the last’: Grieving husband of Edgewater e-motorbike crash victim urges action
The husband of a woman killed in an e-motorbike crash in Perth’s north believes she won’t be the last to die in such a “tragic manner” unless something is done.
A 17-year-old boy, who was described as “out of control” by his parents in Perth’s Children’s Court, allegedly hit and killed Shelley Harris at an Edgewater park last month while riding an e-motorbike.
In a statement issued by WA Police, John Harris remembered his wife as a dedicated woman who was admired by many.
“The loss of my dear wife Shelley was both a shock and a tragedy in so many ways,” he said.
“Many people’s lives have been negatively impacted by her death.
“My wife was an excellent nurse and many people will now never be blessed to be cared for by her. She was admired, respected and loved by so many of her colleagues.
“Her infectious smile was disarming and her dedication and diligence in everything she applied herself to was something increasingly difficult to find in today’s society.”
Harris thanked police for their support and kindness following the crash, and said he acknowledged their work.
“Shelley’s life is not the first to end in this tragic manner and sadly I doubt will be the last,” he said.
“As a society we must pause and reflect upon the kind of world we want to live in and begin making choices which result in us moving towards that world.
“Let us choose to not continue repeating the mistakes of the past.”
The teenager, who cannot be named due to his age, was charged with manslaughter over Harris’ death and was also alleged to have been riding an unregistered battery-powered motorcycle without a licence.
Prosecutors told the court the teenager was given a police warning in December 2023 after an incident involving another child, during which he was also riding another e-motorbike.
John Harris’ comments also come a week after Police Commissioner Col Blanch called for a ban on the import of high-powered electric scooters during a parliamentary committee hearing.
Blanch said the death of Ms Harris and Thanh Phan – a Perth father who died when he was struck from behind by an e-scooter in the CBD – showed the need to regulate the space.
English backpacker Alicia Kemp, 24, pleaded guilty in Perth Magistrates Court on Monday to one count of dangerous driving causing death while under the influence of alcohol over the crash that killed Phan.
In WA, e-rideables – such as electric scooters and skateboards – are legally allowed to travel up to 10km/h on footpaths and 25km/h on bike paths and shared paths. E-bikes are regulated under different legislation.
“I don’t think young people should be able to walk in and purchase these faster vehicles, as they can now. Most of the issues involve people riding modified scooters on roads – and that’s where we see the greatest harm,” Blanch said.
“We must prioritise the safety of our pedestrians.”
The teenager charged with Ms Harris’ death has not yet entered a plea.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
