BABSON PARK, FL – A 56-year-old Lake Wales woman died Tuesday night after an electric bicycle crash on Scenic Highway near Babson Park, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at approximately 10:33 p.m. on June 23, 2026, to a two-vehicle crash on Scenic Highway (State Road 17) east of Ward Loop Road. When first responders arrived, they found the woman deceased at the scene.
Investigators determined the woman was riding an electric bicycle westbound on Scenic Highway when she was struck from behind by a westbound 2022 Jeep Trackhawk driven by a 30-year-old Lake Wales man.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the e-bike was traveling approximately two to three feet from the edge of the roadway when the collision occurred.
The woman was not wearing a helmet but was wearing an orange reflective vest. Her bicycle was equipped with front and rear lights; however, due to the extensive damage caused by the crash, investigators were unable to determine whether the lights were operating before impact. The Jeep driver told deputies he did not see any lights prior to the collision. The driver was not injured, remained at the scene, and cooperated with investigators.
Authorities said the victim was traveling home from work at the time of the crash. Her workplace and residence were approximately 15 miles apart.
Scenic Highway was closed in both directions for about three hours while investigators processed the scene. The investigation remains ongoing. The Sheriff’s Office said no criminal or civil charges are anticipated at this time.
