Fairfax County recently expanded its helmet ordinance to include scooter and e-bike riders younger than 15.
HERNDON, Va. — The death of a 9-year-old boy struck by a minivan while riding an electric scooter has drawn attention to a recently expanded Fairfax County helmet requirement for young riders.
The boy was riding in a townhome community in the 3000 block of Madden Court when the collision occurred at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Fairfax County police said. He was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. Police said their initial investigation indicated he was not wearing a helmet.
The crash came shortly after Fairfax County expanded its local helmet rules to include children using scooters, electric bicycles and motorized skateboards on local roads. The county ordinance requires riders younger than 15 to wear protective helmets on those devices.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the change June 23 after Virginia lawmakers gave local governments authority to adopt broader helmet requirements. The state law authorizing those local rules took effect July 1. The county previously required helmets for bicycle riders in the same age group.
Police have not said whether the lack of a helmet contributed to the boy’s death. Crash investigators are still working to determine the movements of the scooter and minivan, the vehicle’s speed and the angles involved before impact.
Fairfax County police Capt. Chris Cosgriff said the minivan driver was entering the neighborhood when the boy was struck. The adult woman remained at the scene, and police had not announced any charges as of Friday.
“Please, have your kids wear helmets. Teach them the basic safety rules. Keep an eye on them,” Cosgriff said in remarks reported after the crash. He also urged neighbors to speak up when they see children riding without protective equipment or acting dangerously.
The crash occurred in a residential area with townhomes and shared parking spaces, where drivers and riders can cross paths near homes and parked vehicles. Investigators were interviewing neighbors and searching for video that could clarify what happened.
Police have not released the child’s name. Cosgriff said the department was prepared to support his family as well as the driver, calling the death a tragedy for everyone involved.
The Crash Reconstruction Unit continued its investigation Friday. Authorities had not issued a final finding on the cause of the collision or announced any enforcement action connected to the county’s helmet ordinance.
Author note: Last updated July 24, 2026.