Safety summit on scooters

AUCKLAND: A rider safety summit aimed at educating people about electric scooters is to be held in New Zealand over the coming days after safety concerns were raised.

Lime, the international company behind the scooters, has announced the summit in light of concerns from local authorities, as well as members of the public.

Spokesman Hank Rowe said company representatives will hold discussions with the NZ Transport Agency, Auckland Transport and the Christchurch City Council about safety.

‘‘We are taking on board concerns that have been raised about the safety of riders and pedestrians,’’ he said. ‘‘In order to address these concerns and increase the safety of our riders, Lime will be hosting a rider safety summit in the next week to educate users on the importance of responsible scooter usage.’’

This follows an announcement by Auckland Council that it will review the safety of escooters — a move that is being welcomed by members of the public who have experienced their dangers firsthand.

The council is seeking urgent advice on the safety and rules of the increasingly popular scooters after one of its own, Cr Christine Fletcher, was almost hit by one yesterday.

In a meeting yesterday morning, she told her colleagues she had come ‘‘within an inch’’ of being taken out by one while at a pedestrian crossing. —