by Sam Hawcroft
It is “only a matter of time” before someone is seriously injured by dangerous e-scooter riding in Withernsea, a town councillor has warned.
Cllr Jon Dimberline spoke out as Humberside Police launched a forcewide campaign urging parents to think carefully before buying the devices as Christmas presents.
The issue has repeatedly been raised on local social media groups and at Withernsea Town Council meetings, with concerns about the safety of pedestrians and riders.
Cllr Dimberline said he had been painting railings one Sunday when an e-scooter carrying two youngsters, whom he estimated were about 15, shot past at what he believed was at least 20mph.
“I never even saw him coming. I’ve got no doubt there’d have been some serious injury for me or them,” he said.
He feared that stepping backwards could have put him directly in their path, and warned of the risks to children, older people and animals.
He also described being overtaken by an electric bike which he said was travelling at 34mph along Queen Street, and said he had heard reports of riders using the promenade as a racetrack.
Cllr Dimberline called for stronger enforcement but acknowledged the pressures on local officers.
“The police have only got the resources that they’ve got. They’ve only got the manpower and the equipment that they’ve got. It’s the system behind it that’s failing,” he said.
Police have already recognised the local concerns. In a neighbourhood priority update released earlier this summer, the South East Holderness team said residents and councillors were reporting that e-scooter and bike problems were getting worse, with fears someone would be hurt.
A Withernsea resident who asked not to be named also raised concerns about youngsters riding motorcycles without helmets and causing alarm.
“If they fall off, they could injure themselves,” he said. “But the other thing is, it’s just frightening people.”
He said he had reported an incident to police and urged others to do the same, expressing frustration at people criticising officers on social media without formally reporting what they had seen.
The new Is It Wheely Worth It? campaign is being run with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and will include school visits, increased visibility in hotspot areas and enforcement days.
Police are warning that privately owned e-scooters ridden illegally in public can be seized and destroyed, and riders may face further penalties.
Under current rules, privately owned e-scooters cannot be ridden on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes or in parks. They can be used only on private land closed to the public, with the landowner’s permission.
Approved rental e-scooters in government trial areas have separate rules. E-bikes that meet electrically assisted pedal cycle requirements can be ridden legally from age 14, with motor assistance cutting out at 15.5mph.
Insp Pete Musgrave, who leads Operation Yellowfin, which targets vehicle crime and antisocial behaviour, said: “E-scooters are increasingly being seen as a popular gift for children and young people, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, but it’s important that people understand they are not toys and there are strict laws governing their use.
“We want young people to enjoy Christmas safely, and that starts with understanding the risks and making informed choices.
“One hit of a kerb and the consequences could be life changing. You wouldn’t buy a motorbike for your child, so why an e-scooter?”
Police and crime commissioner Jonathan Evison said his surveys consistently showed e-scooter use was the top public concern across the Humber region.
“The damage caused to riders and pedestrians by a collision can be catastrophic,” he said.
“While the police are using all means at their disposal to deal with riders, the issue begins at purchase, and they simply should not be bought if they are to be used in public.”
Residents can report dangerous riding and vehicle-related antisocial behaviour by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency or when a crime is in progress. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Video evidence of driving offences can be submitted through Humberside Police’s Operation Snap service.
