Safety concerns over town's e-scooter return

Mohammad Asif said the plan needed to be implemented properly to keep pedestrians safe

People have voiced safety concerns over a plan to reintroduce e-scooters to a town after a previous scheme failed.

Slough Borough Council announced in April provider Zipp Mobility would be introducing 300 e-scooters and 25 e-bikes from 28 May.

Residents Mohammad Asif and Ravi Gulati both told the BBC they had concerns about pedestrian safety, with Mr Gulati particularly worried about older people.

The council said the vehicles would be monitored for misuse and they all have a number of safety features, including brake lights and a horn.

Mr Asif said the plan could "possibly be a good thing as long as it's done properly".

"But obviously driving around in the High Street at speed can really be a problem as well," he said.

"It's the safety of the pedestrians... that's going to actually make the difference."

Ravi Gulati said he was especially concerned about the safety of older people

Mr Gulati said: "It's been dangerous, especially for older people, if scooters are zipping past."

He also raised fears they could be used to aid criminal activity, such as theft and robbery.

"I don't know how the council is going to control that, that's the main question I have," he said.

A spokesperson for the council said riders would need to agree to the terms of use, which included not riding on pavements.

“Reports of misconduct will be taken seriously and Zipp may impose penalties or suspend accounts for riders found in violation of their terms of service," they said.

They added "any method of transport" could be used by criminals, but said Zipp scooters could be tracked.

Zipp Mobility said the scooters would adhere to government regulations, including a speed limit of 15.5mph.

It added riders must provide a driving licence and photo in order to register, and would be bound by the same rules as if driving a car.

The previous scheme, which was part of a wider national trial, ended in November 2022 when the council was unable to renew the contract with operator Neuron Mobility UK.

Savio DeCruz, the council's associate director of operations, previously said people had enjoyed having using the e-scooters in the past.

"I hope they will make use of this new scheme," he said.