2 Children Hospitalized After Crash Involving Scooter In El Cerrito: Police

EL CERRITO, CA — Two children were hospitalized Wednesday after they crashed their speeding scooter in El Cerrito, police said.

Witnesses told investigators that the children were speeding on the Ohlone Greenway as they approached Potrero Avenue when they ran a stop sign, according to the El Cerrito Police Department.

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A driver approaching the intersection tried to stop, but the scooter went directly into their path, causing the crash, police said.

Both children were taken to a local hospital for treatment, police said.

The extent of their injuries is not clear, although police said neither was wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

Police said the children were too young to ride the scooter, which can reach up to 43 miles per hour.

Motorized scooter users need a valid license or instruction permit, cannot carry passengers, must wear a helmet if underage and cannot travel more than 15 miles per hour, police said, according to California law.

Even if the scooter can travel faster, that does not make it legal to do so, police said.

"Parents and guardians: Please do not wait for a collision to find out what your child is riding," police said. "A device sold as an 'e-bike' or 'scooter' may have capabilities and legal requirements very different from what a parent expects."