E-SCOOTER injuries are on the rise in Hampshire according to new data.

Figures from the Department for Transport show that 94 incidents resulting in injuries were recorded by Hampshire Constabulary last year.

That was up from 69 the year before, and a further increase from just the 17 injuries recorded in 2020.

In a statement, Inspector Alastair Lloyd, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, told the Daily Echo: “As the use of e-scooters continues to rise we encourage all users to ride them safely and in accordance with the law.

“Our specialist roads policing officers are committed to reducing all injuries on our roads and we always recommend wearing safety protection such as a helmet and to keep to the speed limit.”

The findings for Hampshire follow a national trend as there were a total number of 1,485 casualties involving e-scooters across Great Britain last year – slightly up from 1,434 the previous year.

Private e-scooters should not be used on public roads. Rental Voi e-scooters are permitted.

Shirley resident Tony Weafer told the Echo that the rise in e-scooter casualties comes down to a lack of enforcement, as he said: “The rise in e-scooter injuries is very clear in my opinion as there’s a lack of enforcement.

“I see this on a daily basis. I walk Shirley High Street every day and I often see people misusing these scooters which will no doubt contribute toward accidents.

"I’ve seen adults riding the scooters with their children and I’ve seen teenagers riding scooters two at a time, it’s not safe.”

READ MORE: Loganair accuses easyJet of jeopardising Southampton routes

Daily Echo:

Tony continued: “I’ve been knocked over by a scooter myself. I was walking along, and then one came flying round the corner and wiped me out.

“They didn’t even stop to see if I was okay. It could happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime.

“The 94 casualties from e-scooters... those are the ones that we know of. How many more will there be that haven’t been reported?”

“Even when I see PCSOs they’re simply not interested, there is just no enforcement.

"People riding these scooters should be riding wearing a helmet and also have a valid driver’s licence.

“But when do you ever see someone wearing a helmet and equally some of these people riding the scooters can’t possibly be old enough to have a valid driver’s licence? The council are happy as long as they’re making money from it in my opinion.

“A message has to be sent to the police, PCSOs, neighbourhood wardens etc – getting them to better enforce the rules. I mean, when the Voi e-scooters came to Southampton they set out rules on how the scooters should be ridden, but nobody is enforcing it.”