Hit-and-run moped crash in NYC sparking more calls for scooter regulation

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- A Manhattan mother and special education teacher is in the hospital awaiting surgery after being nearly killed by a moped.

Witnesses told PIX11 News the driver, who thought she was dead, took off running. 

New York City streets have evolved into superhighways, with vehicles navigating alongside pedestrians, cyclists, e-bikes, scooters, motorcycles and now, mopeds. 

But their drivers are largely zipping around unregistered and unlicensed. A disturbing video from Inwood shows Keri Roy, 57, lying unconscious, face down in the street after being run over by an illegal moped she last saw racing through a red light.

"I just remember thinking, please don't hit me," Keri said. 

A month after being mowed down, the mother of four is back in the hospital awaiting a second surgery. "I broke my eye socket, cheekbone, sinus cavity, and jaw. I have nerve damage," Keri explained. 

She was knocked out for fifteen minutes.

"I woke up grateful I’m alive because, you know, I have four kids and they could have lost their mom," she said.

This year, the DOT reports 12 people haven’t been as fortunate—they were all killed on city streets by mopeds, with thousands of others injured. 

"For a while, we have not had an honest conversation about what’s been happening," said NY Assemblyman Alex Bores.

That’s why Bores and his colleagues in Albany have over a dozen bills brewing, steering mopeds toward more regulation. 

Last month, his bill passed requiring registration before they drive off the dealer lot and goes into effect in January 2025.

"Once they’re registered, they have a license plate. We have phones and if [witnesses] capture the license plates, it’s easier to figure out who that was," Bores explained.

Mayor Eric Adams said his team is focused on education, legislation, and enforcement. The NYPD reports confiscating nearly 18,000 unregistered two-wheelers and ATVs this year.

"We’ve been working with City Council on a regulatory framework," said Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi.

While that happens, Keri has a long road ahead, "I want to make sure I'm okay and get back to the things I love doing."

A GoFundMe has been set up to help offset medical costs, as Roy may not be able to return to school teaching in September. 

The NYPD said it had not made any arrests in the hit-and-run from July 15.