‘Problem not with scooters, but how people are using them’: transport boss

Councillor Lynne Stagg, the council’s transport boss, said: 'There have been absolutely no problems with Voi or the scooters themselves but there have been a few problems with the way people are using them.

'It seems like some families are logging in to the scooters and then allowing children to use them. They should only be used by people aged 18 and over, and by those with at least provisional driving licences.

The police know about this and will be cracking down on it.

'At the moment it is hoped seven more docking stations will open in April depending on what public feedback is in those areas.'

Felicity Tidbury, transport planning manager at the council, said ‘We are pleased to see people trying the rental e-scooters in Portsmouth as part of the trial.

‘To keep riders safe we encourage them to wear a helmet, complete

Voi’s in app safety training and follow the rider rules that are outlined in the Voi app. Rental e-scooters are a sustainable alternative to car travel and we expect an increase in riders as the weather improves.’

Portsmouth central inspector Marcus Kennedy said: ‘Rental e-scooters are classed as a motor vehicle under UK law which means that to legally use them riders must follow the rules of use as well as the Highway Code.

‘We don’t want to see people riding on pavements, unless they are in a cycle lane, or riding under the influence of drink or drugs.

‘The scooters should also only be used by one person aged 18 or over with no passengers. The law needs to be followed, just like if you were driving a car.

‘We appreciate that e-scooters are a new concept to a lot of people but we urge people to follow the rules and use them in a safe and respectful manner.’

He added that enforcement action will be taken for repeated instances of illegal rental e-scooter use. ‘If you are caught breaking the law on a rental e-scooter, you could face a large fine and points on your licence,’ he said.

Voi said it maintains motor third party liability insurance which covers a rider’s legal liability for injury or property damage to a third party while using one of the e-scooters.

The company also has personal accident insurance in the event of serious injury to its riders while using an e-scooter.

The insurance cover is automatically included upon rental.

To report dangerous e-scooter drivers and for more information go to: travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/ schemes/rental-e-scooter-trial/