Scooter rider seriously injured in Taupō after hit-and-run

An e-scooter rider and a white car believed to be a Suzuki Swift collided at the intersection of Tamamutu St and Rifle Range Rd on June 7. Photo / Dan Hutchinson

The wife of an e-scooter rider struck by a car in Taupō claims he was “left for dead” on the side of the road.

Police are appealing for information after a collision between a car and a person on an e-scooter on Friday, June 7.

The collision was on Tamamutu St about 8.10pm and police confirmed the car did not stop.

The victim’s wife did not want to be identified but said her husband suffered a punctured lung, grazing and three broken ribs, and has had a chest drain inserted.

He spent six days in Rotorua Hospital. The accident had a huge impact on the Taupō family, which included three primary school-age children.

She said family travelled to support them and there had been “an outpouring of love” from the school and their rugby club.

Her husband was hit from behind as he turned off Tamamutu St onto Rifle Range Rd at a roundabout.

The vehicle involved was thought to be a white Suzuki Swift.

A similar vehicle was spotted shortly after on a CCTV camera at the Paetiki Shopping Centre further down Rifle Range Rd.

She paid tribute to the “good Samaritan” who came to her husband’s aid, helping him and the rented Beam scooter off the road and taking him to Taupō Hospital.

A rescue helicopter could not transport him to Rotorua due to fog, so he made the one-hour journey by ambulance.

A police spokesperson said they would like to hear from witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident.

“Anyone who may have information that can help police in their investigation, please contact us on 105, quoting file number 240608/8052.”