The Sunshine Coast community is grieving the tragic loss of eight-year-old Zeke Hondow, who died following a devastating e-bike collision in Mountain Creek, Queensland, on Thursday afternoon, October 30, 2025. The heartbreaking accident has sparked widespread sorrow and renewed calls for stricter e-bike safety regulations across the state.
What Happened:
Zeke Hondow was riding his e-bike home from school along a popular bike path near the Kawana Way and Sunshine Motorway interchange when the tragedy occurred. At approximately 3:36 p.m., Zeke collided head-on with a 15-year-old boy who was riding his e-bike in the opposite direction.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, and Zeke was immediately transported to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in critical condition. Despite valiant efforts from medical staff, Zeke succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The 15-year-old boy involved in the crash did not require medical treatment and has been cooperating fully with investigators.
Both riders were wearing helmets at the time of the collision. Authorities have seized both e-bikes for mechanical and forensic examinations to determine their power, speed, and compliance with safety regulations. Investigators are also reviewing factors like visibility, rider positioning, and the pathway design that may have contributed to the crash.
Investigation and Safety Concerns:
Queensland Police have urged the public to come forward with any dashcam or CCTV footage that could help clarify the circumstances of the collision. The investigation’s findings will be crucial in shaping ongoing discussions about e-bike safety, particularly regarding high-powered models used by minors.
The tragic incident has intensified concerns about the safety of e-bikes, with many local residents calling for stricter laws around e-bike use, including speed limits, age restrictions, and clearer equipment standards. The government’s current regulations classify e-bikes based on power output and speed, but enforcement has been challenging as more powerful electric bikes become available to children.
Community Reactions and Support for the Family:
The loss of Zeke has deeply affected the residents of Mountain Creek and the wider Sunshine Coast area. Hundreds of heartfelt tributes have been shared online, with people remembering Zeke as a bright, adventurous, and kind-hearted young boy who loved riding his bike and spending time outdoors.
In support of Zeke’s family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe page has been established, with organizers describing this as “one of the toughest times imaginable” for the Hondow family. Local parents have expressed their concern about e-bike safety, voicing their belief that clearer laws and better enforcement are needed to prevent future tragedies.
Calls for Stricter Regulations:
The tragic incident has brought attention to the need for stricter e-bike safety measures across Queensland. Safety advocates are urging the government to introduce licensing requirements, speed restrictions, and public awareness campaigns to protect young e-bike users. The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads has stated that it is reviewing existing regulations and will consider the findings of this investigation when evaluating potential changes to the laws.
Closing Line:
As the community continues to mourn the loss of Zeke Hondow, his death serves as a powerful reminder of the need for increased e-bike safety and responsible riding practices. Authorities and advocates hope that the lessons learned from this tragedy will lead to stronger protections for young riders in the future.
