Local MP calls on major retailers to “do their bit” to reduce private e-scooter sales

Chris Curtis, Member of Parliament for Milton Keynes North, has called upon retailers to “do their bit” to crack down on the sale of private e-scooters in letters sent today (21/10) to a number of major hardware outlets.

The use of private e-scooters is only permitted on private land with consent of the landowner, and their use on public paths, roads, and redways is illegal. Despite this, private e-scooters remain readily available for purchase in major hardware outlets, with many customers unaware of the restrictions around their use. Whilst small disclaimers are provided by some retailers, these are often difficult to see. This has lead to a significant number of private e-scooters being used in public spaces in Milton Keynes, with little done by retailers to prevent their misuse.

Whilst the legal hireable e-scooters being trialled across Milton Keynes come with safety measures like speed controls and ID checks, private e-scooters can travel at much higher speeds and are often uninsured. Curtis suggests that speeding private e-scooters are undermining faith in the ongoing micromobility trial in the city.

The letter sent by Chris Curtis MP comes after a similar letter was sent to local secondary schools to urge local families to avoid purchasing private e-scooters. Both suggestions came out of the “Scooter Summit” hosted by Curtis last month, which brought together e-scooter operators, parish and town councils, community groups, Milton Keynes City Council, and Thames Valley Police to discuss the e-scooter trial in the city.

If you buy a private e-scooter at a retail park in Rooksley, you’re likely to use it on the street in Bradwell, and this happens all across Milton Keynes North. Private e-scooters are illegal to use on our roads, paths, and redways, but too many are unaware of this. I’m calling on retailers to do their bit to ensure all prospective buyers know the rules around private e-scooters. This not only keeps people safe, but prevents any disappointment when these vehicles are seized by police. Speeding and uninsured e-scooters are dangerous and undermine faith in the e-scooter trial across Milton Keynes. Most local people agree that e-scooters are a valuable, green, and convenient way to get around, but we must pull together to make the scheme work for everybody, and cracking down on private e-scooters is a must.

Chris Curtis, Member of Parliament for Milton Keynes North.