YESTERDAY, I saw at least 16 E-scooters ridden on pavement and road, during my short journey from Bournemouth to Poole mostly privately owned but with some Beryl bikes among them.

The privately owned ones were breaking the law by being on public land. Several Beryl Bikes were driven by under 16 year olds, often two to a scooter. How do they access them if they need to prove they are eligible?

In 2023, the Echo reported that the Beryl trials had generated over 1,718,000 journeys across nearly 5.5m km, replacing nearly 485,000 private transport journeys.

These youngsters are presumably included in the trial figures, but since they are not old enough to drive cars anyway, the figures are flawed.

“In accordance with UK law, electric scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles and are treated as motor vehicles. Failing to comply with the law can result in an on-the-spot fine or prosecution and being blocked from your Beryl account.” (Beryl Bikes)

The majority of e-scooter riders are breaking the law. But they are not stopped by police, nor are their accounts checked by Beryl Bikes.

Having a toothless law is useless, time wasting and dangerous. Not one of the riders I saw was wearing a helmet, mandatory for motor cyclists not so for scooters.

How can police prosecute vehicle drivers for not having driving licences, and insurance if these riders using the same roads are not treated in the same way?

Finally, I would ask the parents why they are buying or hiring scooters for children knowing they are breaking the law, or more importantly putting their lives at risk?

Wendy Goddard

Elmes Road,

Bournemouth