E-scooter going southbound struck northbound mini-motorcycle at Southeast Tibbetts Street
January 02, 2026 | Portland, OR
A tragic head-on collision in a southeast Portland bike lane claimed the life of 66-year-old Stephen West Hicks early on Jan. 2.
The incident occurred near Southeast 122nd Avenue and Southeast Tibbetts Street, involving Hicks on a mini-motorcycle and an e-scooter rider traveling the wrong way.
Stephen W. Hicks, 66, was killed when an e-scooter struck his mini-motorcycle head-on in the northbound bike lane in southeast Portland.
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities from the Portland Police Bureau reported that Hicks was heading northbound shortly before 5 a.m. when the e-scooter rider struck him head-on. The crash resulted in Hicks' death at the scene, while the e-scooter operator sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized.
- Date and Time: Jan. 2, around 5 a.m.
- Location: Southeast 122nd Avenue and Southeast Tibbetts Street, Portland, OR
- Vehicles Involved: Mini-motorcycle and e-scooter
- Victim: Stephen West Hicks, 66, pronounced dead on-site
- Other Party: E-scooter rider, injured but stable, and identity withheld
- Safety Factors: Both parties wore helmets, and no signs of impairment
The Traffic Investigations Unit is actively reviewing the case, and the public is encouraged to provide tips to the Portland Police Bureau.
Why Do These Accidents Happen in Bike Lanes?
Bike lane collisions often stem from wrong-way riding, visibility issues in low light, and shared path conflicts between micromobility devices. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian and cyclist fatalities in urban areas have risen, with e-scooters contributing to a growing share of incidents.
Factor |
Description |
Source |
|---|
Wrong-Way Travel |
Riders ignoring directional arrows, as seen here |
NHTSA 2023 Report |
Early Morning Conditions |
Reduced visibility before dawn |
CDC Urban Mobility Study |
Micromobility Growth |
E-scooters up 25% in U.S. cities since 2020 |
Federal Highway Administration |
Helmet Use |
Reduces severe injury risk by 60% |
CDC Injury Prevention Data |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes, determining the precise causes is essential for accountability and support for affected families.
“It is imperative to come to a determination of the exact cause of these types of accidents. An attorney has the resources to review applicable insurance coverage, hire witnesses, run background checks, and locate witnesses. We carefully guide the family of the victim through the process,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal.
Bond emphasized the value of independent investigations to safeguard evidence.
“In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash. A lawyer has the resources to hire witnesses, conduct drivers’ background checks, locate witnesses to the crash and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help guide an injury victim through what can be a complicated process.”
Pending results, Hicks' family could pursue a wrongful death claim for losses like companionship and emotional distress.
"The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. "We understand just what families are forced to go through, and protecting their rights is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected."
- Preserve crash evidence through timely legal consultation at 866-985-6515.
- Families may seek compensation for pain, suffering, and financial effects.
- Independent reviews complement police efforts for fuller accountability.
- Contact professionals to navigate insurance and witness processes effectively.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).