TOWN centre shoppers say e-scooters are being ridden dangerously in the town centre.

The motorised vehicles have seen a boom in popularity but it is illegal to ride them on public roads and pavements.

Despite warnings being issued by the police, people in Swindon say they have had near-misses involving e-scooters – which can hit speeds of up to 30mph.

And they say it is only a matter of time before somebody is hurt.

Pensioner John Brooks says he and his wife were almost hit by an e-scooter as they entered the Brunel shopping centre

The 70-year-old said: “He shot through there, right through the shopping centre.

“One e-scooter nearly ran my wife over.

“He just went straight through, didn’t stop, he was about two yards from her. He could have at least apologised.

“It made me angry because I shouldn’t have to worry about walking through town.

“I think it’s a concern for everybody.

“It’s only a scooter, but if it’s an electric scooter then you shouldn’t be driving it through the shopping centre. 

“If you’re going to try and get away with it, slow down and try to drive more cautiously and carefully.”

We asked the Adver's Facebook followers whether they were worried about the number of e-scooters being ridden on Swindon’s pavements.

Dee Blockley said: “On the roads at night with no lights and riding down the road the wrong way – Deacon Street is dreadful for this. I’ve seen cars, cyclists and e-scooters all doing this act. This is an accident waiting to happen.”

Tanya Legg added: “I don’t think they should be ridden through the town centre. Lots of old people and kids around and it does worry me that someone will get hurt.”

Adam Poole said: “It’s like cyclists and car drivers. The vast majority are fine – it’s just a few that are inconsiderate and/or incapable that cause the problem.”

Cassandra Wise said: “Legislation is required. 

"Limit them to 15mph for safety, make it illegal to sell to under-18s, make insurance compulsory and invest in more cycle paths to keep them off the roads. 

“They are a useful and very convenient form of transport, especially to and from work, and so much better for our environment than using cars for short journeys.”

Ieva Purinasa said: “I’m worried about the speed they whizz past me and my children.”

Others think e-scooters are less of a problem in the town.

Kimberly Dawn Harvey said: “I have one and so do my kids. We have great fun in them but we are very careful and stop around corners and never around people. 

"If you're sensible then I can’t see the harm. It’s the few out there that don’t care and go crazy give us all a bad name.”

Mihail Damyanov said: “Perfect way to move around town to tackle the traffic and the air pollution.”

Police urged e-scooter riders to be aware of the rules and act accordingly.
Sgt  Richard Tottle from the Swindon Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We would urge people to fully understand the law before buying an e-scooter.

“Some people are purchasing them in the mistaken belief they can legally use them on public paths and roads. This is not the case. 

“Our focus is on engaging with members of the community and making them aware of the law regarding e-scooters but offenders who knowingly and persistently break the law will be dealt with appropriately, whereby the e-scooter will be seized and the rider reported for any offences.

“I would also urge anyone using an e-scooter legally – ie on private land – to carefully consider their safety before doing so. All riders should wear a helmet, younger riders particularly, would benefit from additional protective clothing such as knee and elbow pads to minimise injury.

“We’ve also noticed a number of cyclists in the town centre and would like to remind them that riding bikes there isn’t allowed as it’s in breach of the Public Spaces Protection Order” 

A Swindon Borough Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of public concerns over the use of e-scooters in Swindon and are working with Wiltshire Police to assist where we can.”