Chris Curtis, MP for Milton Keynes North, is calling for retailers to ‘do their bit’ to crack down on the sale of private e-scooters which are illegal on roads, paths and city redways.

The use of private e-scooters is only permitted on private land with consent of the landowner however, they can be bought in major hardware outlets, with many customers unaware of the restrictions around their use.

Mr Curtis has now written to major retailers to ask for sales of e-scooters to be closely monitored. He wants retailers to help ensure all prospective buyers know the rules around private e-scooters to keep people safe with warnings private e-scooters used illegally will be seized by police.

He also fears irresponsible use of e-scooters undermines faith in the e-scooter trial across Milton Keynes.

He said: “Whilst small disclaimers are provided by some retailers, these are often difficult to see and has led 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.”

Mr Curtis fears speeding private e-scooters are undermining faith in the ongoing micromobility trial in the city with his warning coming after a similar letter was sent to local secondary schools to urge local families to avoid purchasing private e-scooters.

Both suggestions follow a ‘Scooter Summit’ hosted by Mr 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.

MP Christ Curtis wants retailers to support crackdown on sale of private e-scooters

“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,” added Mr Curtis.

“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.”