E-Scooters could be a transformative mode of transport but legislation has not caught up with them.
As it stands it is illegal to use e-scooters on public land so that excludes roads/pavements parks etc. They can be used on the road in rental schemes such as the Beryl scooters.
Too many people are abusing the rental scheme by riding on pavements / two up or giving their use to children under 16.
I believe that e-scooters should be legislated for and you should need training / licence / insurance / helmets and there should be a moped sized registration number on each one including rental schemes.
Since coming into office I have asked Dorset Police to increase enforcement and they have done so by educating as a first instance over 100 individuals and seizing over 200 e-scooters. I would like more to be done as I realise the concerns particularly when these are not used within the law.
I have formed the National E Scooter Committee with industry, Home Office and two other PCCs to lobby for legislation.
I will hold Dorset Police to account to be tougher on e-scooters being used illegally.
If I am returned as PCC I will survey the people of Dorset to seek their thoughts on this new mode of transport.