The future of it is being reviewed
More children are reportedly suffering more head injuries after falling from scooters, a councillor has claimed. The claim has been made as concerns have been raised over a contract to provide e-bikes and scooters across parts of the county.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority currently has a contract with Voi to provide e-bikes and e-scooters across Cambridge and some surrounding areas. They were introduced as part of a trial in 2020 which has since been extended until May 2028.
It is illegal to ride a privately owned e-scooter in public – only those offered by Voi as part of the trial can be legally used in the city. But some councillors have raised concerns over the vehicles blocking pavements, cluttering public spaces and the safety of riders.
The combined authority’s overview and scrutiny panel asked for a report on the “social value” of e-scooters and data on injuries. Cllr Anna Bradnam, of South Cambs District Council, said they had also asked for data on illegal scooters and e-bikes too.
She also asked for information to be provided by organisations that deal with head and brain injuries such as Headway and children’s hospices. The Liberal Democrat councillor said: “Coincidentally, I have visited a hospice and just asked them out of the blue – because the hospice deals with children with life-limiting and life-changing conditions – have you seen more children come in because of falling off scooters?
“They said, ‘oh, yes’ – I was really quite surprised, but of course lots of people on scooters don’t wear helmets.”
Cllr Hugh Clough, of Cambridge City Council, said Voi had not consulted them before deciding where to put designated drop-off points. The Green councillor said: “Voi’s actual responsiveness to concerns raised by the public and councillors is a major issue in our area.
“The lack of any sort of willingness to engage with councillors – that problem was raised too many times. We’ve all got the list of problem sites where people can’t get through, can’t get in – you can’t even get your mobility scooter or wheelchair through. It’s a festering problem which needs to be addressed.”
Cllr Bradnam asked for the topic to be brought to the panel as part of the January 2027 agenda list.
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