An electric scooter rider was filmed whizzing along a busy road in Swindon wearing an all-black outfit, sparking serious fears for his safety.
The rider, believed to be a teenage male, was spotted overtaking slow-moving vehicles in Mead Way, Peatmoor, at around 6pm on Wednesday, 3 November.
Kathy Penticost capture the worrying event on her mobile phone whilst passenger in a car.
“I fear he wouldn’t come off lightly if a lorry or bus hit him”, she told Wiltshire 999s.
Adding: “He had no helmet either. He definitely could have caused an accident.”
Despite the law preventing the use of e-scooters in public places, this youngster defied the rules to speed down the middle of the main route during rush-hour.
In the year ending 31 June 2021, seven road traffic collisions occured involving e-scooters in Wiltshire.
On one occassion in Swindon, a rider collided with an officer, whilst in Downton, near Salisbury, police were called to a crash involving two males on e-scooters.
In September, police in Chippenham launched a crackdown. Officers stopped 16 electric scooter riders – 15 were issued warnings and the other had their device seized.
Continuing, Ms Penticost said: “I was a passenger in a car and this scooter came up on the drivers side. As you can see, it’s dark and only has a small light.
“At one point we was sure he was on a phone.
“I know these are not meant to be used on the roads but if he had an high viz on, it might have been easier to see him.
“Maybe taking the scooter off him or a hefty fine to make sure he wouldn’t do it again would be the best publishment.
“I would had said about points on a driving licence but he might not have one.
“These scooters need to be have rules and the riders should have to take tests – a bit like CBT that people on (low-powered) motorcycles have to take.”
MORE ON THIS SUBJECT:
- Teenager riding e-scooter faces criminal record after failing to stop for police
- Cyclist injured in hit-and-run involving e-scooter rider who fled scenef
