An Oakham local has called for a crackdown on e-scooters after witnessing a distressing incident in neighbouring Corby.

Rutland resident, Jake, recently witnessed an elderly lady being knocked down by two individuals riding an e-scooter in Corby, and has since been keen for the local authorities to crack down on what he has dubbed "unregulated and dangerous" vehicles.

He said: "E-scooters are a pet peeve of mine after I saw an elderly lady near Corby bus station get knocked flying by two kids riding on the same scooter and carrying on without stopping."

E-scooters continue to be a contentious topic across the UK, as e-scooters appear more dangerous than bikes.

While the government is running trials of rental e-scooters in cities across the country, the rules for private e-scooters have not changed. It is against the law to use a privately owned e-scooter on public land. If you use an e-scooter illegally:

• you could face a fine
• you could get penalty points on your licence
• the e-scooter could be impounded

The government website states that it is illegal to use an e-scooter:

• on a public road without complying with a number of legal requirements, which potential users will find very difficult
• in spaces that are set aside for use by pedestrians, cyclists, and horse-riders; this includes on the pavement and in cycle lanes

Any person who uses one on a public road or other prohibited space in breach of the law is committing a criminal offence and can be prosecuted.

It is only legal to use an e-scooter on private land with the permission of the land owner.

Rutland is no exception to this rule, but alleged use on public roads is causing frustration for locals.

Jake said: "Electric scooters are still illegal to use on public roads or pathways, but kids, including primary schoolers, seem to use them everywhere. The only legal e scooters are the ones for hire in big towns and cities which you need a provisional driving licence at least to use one.

"Some of these scooters are capable of 40mph yet they're being ridden by young children on footpaths and busy roads who have probably never heard of the cycling proficiency test or highway code.

"I rode a moped when I was 16 in the 80s, but I still had to do my part one (CBT) before I could go on the road.

"Some of these little scooters are faster than my old Puch Maxi moped but are being ridden by youngsters without any protective gear and the parents let them get away with it."

He concluded: "I think their unregulated and dangerous especially when used on pavements and should be seized, if I was to ride on pavements 40mph on my motorbike with no helmet, gloves, licence or insurance I'm sure I'd be in a lot of trouble."

Do you agree with Jake?

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