Published: 19 November 2025 Wednesday . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online
A shocking hit-and-run in Newport has left a local man with severe injuries and no memory of the incident, after being struck by an electric bike in what police are describing as a “dangerous and reckless” collision. The incident, which occurred on 11 November, only came to light when a neighbour’s CCTV footage revealed the full scale of the accident.
Sam Bevan, 33, who lives in St Julian’s, described the surreal experience of discovering what had happened to him. Bevan, who had stepped outside briefly to retrieve his car after putting dinner in the oven, has no recollection of the crash that left him unconscious on Fairoak Avenue for several minutes.
“It’s overwhelming,” he said. “I don’t remember anything. I woke up with cuts on my face and had no idea why. Even answering my stepfather about my son’s birthday was impossible—I couldn’t remember.”
The collision caused Bevan to sustain a severe concussion and facial injuries. He sought treatment at the Grange Hospital in Cwmbran, where doctors carried out assessments, including heart and brain tests, due to the seriousness of the impact and his loss of memory. Bevan has been advised not to drive for six months as part of his recovery and has been signed off from work for four weeks.
The dramatic turn of events came two days after the crash, when two neighbours knocked on Bevan’s door to check on his welfare. It was then he learned that he had been involved in a collision with an electric bike, and CCTV footage of the incident was brought to his attention.
The footage shows Bevan being struck at speed by an electric bike coming the wrong way down a one-way street without lights. The force of the impact caused him to fall to the ground, while the rider fled the scene, leaving Bevan lying in the road for several minutes. “People have told me it’s brutal,” Bevan said. “I’ve watched it about 500 times, but it still doesn’t feel real. It could have been far worse, especially if it had been a child, an elderly person, or someone smaller. I was lucky.”
Bevan expressed particular distress at being left in the road after the collision. “There was a real risk that no one would notice me,” he said. “Was I seriously hurt? Was I okay? The fact the rider didn’t check shows a complete lack of humanity and respect.”
The incident has reignited concerns over the increasing misuse of electric bikes, which are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Bevan hopes his experience will encourage both parents and potential buyers to consider safety and responsibility when using these vehicles. “I imagine e-bikes will be on many people’s Christmas lists this year,” he said. “I just hope people seeing this accident take a second look before buying them for their children or themselves.”
Gwent Police confirmed that they are investigating the collision and have appealed for any witnesses to come forward. Officers are seeking information from anyone who may have seen the bike on Fairoak Avenue around the time of the crash or who has relevant footage from nearby CCTV cameras or dashcams.
Electric bike incidents are increasingly drawing attention from authorities, as their speed and weight make them capable of causing serious injuries in collisions with pedestrians or other vehicles. While legally e-bikes are considered bicycles if they meet certain criteria, misuse—such as riding the wrong way on one-way streets, ignoring traffic lights, or speeding—poses significant risks.
The public safety implications are particularly stark in residential areas, where collisions with pedestrians can be devastating. Experts have emphasized the need for proper training, awareness, and enforcement to prevent similar incidents. The combination of increasing popularity, high speeds, and insufficient regulation has made e-bike collisions a growing concern for local communities and law enforcement.
For Bevan, the recovery process has been both physical and emotional. A week after the incident, he still bears visible marks from the collision. The impact has disrupted his daily life and caused significant distress. He spoke candidly about the psychological toll, explaining how disorienting it was to learn of an event he has no memory of. The sense of vulnerability, combined with the knowledge that the rider left without checking on him, has left a lasting impression.
“The mental strain is immense,” he said. “It’s not just the physical injuries; it’s the realisation that someone could behave so recklessly and leave another person like that. It shakes your sense of safety in your own neighbourhood.”
The incident has sparked conversations around community safety, legal accountability, and the need for stricter controls on electric bikes. While these vehicles offer an environmentally friendly alternative to cars, they also introduce new risks when misused. Local authorities are being urged to enforce existing traffic regulations and ensure e-bike riders are aware of their responsibilities, particularly in residential areas and around vulnerable pedestrians.
Police are also investigating the circumstances that allowed the rider to escape and are calling for public assistance to trace the individual. Witnesses who may have information, or who were in the area around Fairoak Avenue on 11 November, are encouraged to contact Gwent Police immediately. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities hope that community cooperation will help identify the rider and prevent further incidents.
Bevan’s experience underscores the potentially severe consequences of hit-and-run incidents involving electric bikes. It also highlights the importance of community vigilance, proper reporting of incidents, and responsible use of vehicles that, while convenient, can pose significant hazards if regulations and common sense are ignored.
For those recovering from injuries or trauma related to similar accidents, Bevan’s case serves as a reminder of the complex challenges involved in both physical and psychological recovery. Medical professionals stress the importance of ongoing care, support from friends and family, and attention to both immediate and long-term health impacts after serious collisions.
As winter approaches and visibility declines, the risks posed by e-bikes, bicycles, and other personal mobility devices increase. The public is being reminded to be alert on the roads, particularly in residential areas, and to follow traffic rules rigorously. Safety campaigns and awareness efforts continue to emphasize the shared responsibility of all road users to prevent accidents and respond humanely when incidents occur.
In the meantime, Bevan remains focused on his recovery while advocating for safer practices. “I want people to understand how dangerous these bikes can be if used irresponsibly,” he said. “I’m lucky it wasn’t worse, but it could have been catastrophic. I hope my story helps others be more careful.”
Authorities stress that community involvement and vigilance are crucial in tackling such incidents. CCTV, dashcams, and eyewitness accounts remain invaluable tools for law enforcement in piecing together events and holding those responsible accountable. Gwent Police continue to appeal to residents and local businesses with cameras to review footage from the area to assist the ongoing investigation.
As investigations continue, Bevan is calling for greater awareness, responsible riding, and stricter oversight of electric bikes. The incident is a sobering reminder that while new mobility solutions offer convenience, they also require a heightened sense of responsibility to ensure public safety.





























































































