Tributes pour in for electric unicycle rider, 46, killed in crash

Published: 20:20, 7 July 2026 | Updated: 20:21, 7 July 2026 The wife of a man who died in a crash while riding an electric unicycle on a busy Dorset road has paid an emotional tribute to her 'kindest and most caring' husband, describing him as her 'giant'. Benjamin Franklin Wells-Lane, 46, died following a collision on the A338 Wessex Way in Bournemouth at around 4pm on Friday. Emergency services rushed to the scene between Bournemouth West Roundabout and Richmond Hill Roundabout, but Mr Wells-Lane was pronounced dead.  Originally from Utah in the United States, he moved with his wife to Poole, Dorset, in January 2025 after they wed in July 2024.  'Ben was the kindest and most caring person I have ever met. He would do anything for people he cared about and he actively looked for something in people that made them special and worthy of that care,' his wife said in a statement released by Dorset Police. 'He was my giant. Standing 6ft4in to my 5ft4in I mean that both literally and figuratively. There were no obstacles I could not face with him at my side.' His wife described feeling overwhelmed by the warm response from both Mr Wells-Lane's loved ones, and those he never formally met, following the news of his death.  'In the last few days as I have tracked down all of his friends, I have been amazed and warmed by the sheer number of them and the depth of feelings they have for Ben,' she said.  Benjamin Franklin Wells-Lane, 46, died following a collision on the A338 Wessex Way in Bournemouth at around 4pm on Friday 'Even people who never formally met him have expressed sadness at his death - a giant, white-bearded man on a unicycle with the most infectious of smiles does make for quite the memory.  'He was truly a most special person.'  This included friends from the Dorset Wildlife Trust, where he volunteered weekly on Brownsea Island, as well as his 'countless' customers as a handyman.  'I know he has made a lasting impression in our new home,' his wife added.   She continued: 'My four years with Ben were all too short but have permanently etched themselves into my soul.'   In the UK, electric unicycles (EUCs) are classified as Powered Transporters.  EUCs are self-balanced consisting of a single motorised wheel sat between two foot platforms.   Under current legislation, it is illegal to ride them on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes, or pedestrian areas.  EUCs are self-balanced consisting of a single motorised wheel sat between two foot platforms (stock photo) They may only be legally ridden on private land with the landowner's permission. Sergeant Dave Cotterill, of the Roads Policing Team, said on Friday: 'Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly died in this incident. 'We are carrying out a detailed investigation to establish the full circumstances of what happened and I am keen to speak with any witnesses who have not already had contact with police. 'I would also urge any motorists with dashcam who were in the vicinity at the time to please check their footage for anything that might assist our enquiries.'