Having watched two young girls aged 12 or 13 years old riding an e-scooter with no road sense today in London, and without any safety helmets on their heads, was just like an accident waiting to happen. Not only were they a danger to themselves, but also a danger to other pedestrians and motorists who had to keep an eye on these two youngsters, along with the typical traffic around them.

Children under the age of 17 are too young to safely operate e-scooters on UK roads. These devices can reach speeds of up to 15.5 mph, which can be extremely dangerous in the hands of those who have not yet developed the necessary judgment and road awareness. Statistics reveal that e-scooter accidents have increased significantly, with many incidents involving young riders leading to severe injuries and, in some tragic cases, fatalities.

The danger isn't limited to the user alone. E-scooters, when mishandled, pose a risk to pedestrians and can cause chaos on roads. According to the Department for Transport, in the year ending June 2021, there were around 882 accidents involving e-scooters in Great Britain, resulting in over 960 casualties. The lack of regulation around the usage of these scooters by minors exacerbates the risk.

To address this growing issue, we need to implement a law that prohibits the use of e-scooters on roads by individuals under the age of 17 in the United Kingdom. Such legislation would protect not only the children but also our communities at large from potential harm. By preventing underage access, we are reducing the risk of accidents and promoting a safer environment for everyone using the roads.

Sign this petition to urge lawmakers to act now. We must prioritise the safety of our children, pedestrians, and motorists alike by establishing clear and enforceable regulations around the use of e-scooters for minors. Together, we can create a safer future for our roads.