DISABLED people have hit out at the bright orange electric scooters that are ‘blocking’ pavements across Oxford.

Councillor Tom Hayes says the e-scooters, currently being trialled in Headington, are ‘abandoned’ in inconvenient locations for people who already struggle to get around the city in the pandemic.

He is now urging the council to think about those who are more vulnerable in future plans to roll out the e-scooters to other parts of Oxford.

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Explaining the issue, he read out letters from people who live in his St Clement’s ward – which is just before the Headington Hill where the scooters can be used.

One disabled resident who uses a wheelchair and assistance dog said it was ‘really scary’ having to move onto the road to avoid the scooters (pictured).

Other complaints included annoyed neighbours whose driveways were blocked with the scooters and concerns about the speed limits and people riding them not wearing a helmet.

As it is, there are 50 Voi scooters dotted around Headington for the trial which could soon be rolled out across other parts of Oxford – if it is a success.

The hop-on, hop-off scooters are limited to 10mph, slower in certain zones set out by Oxfordshire County Council.

Oxford Mail reporter Fran Way tests an electric scooter

Oxford Mail reporter Fran Way tests an electric scooter

They can be parked anywhere but Voi tell users on the app – which is the only way of accessing the scooters – that they shouldn’t be parked indoors or in places that block cars, access ramps or obstruct public pathways.

The problem with ‘parking zones’ – set out by other councils running a similar scheme – is that the locations might be inconvenient for people who want to do short journeys on a scooter rather than walk or drive.

Mr Hayes said: “The county council are very happy to talk about the snazzy new scheme but they are not talking about how people can manage them being in their community. With anything new people need to feel like it is being managed.

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“E-scooters can be really positive, but we need to move these form niche to mainstream and make them accessible but not making the pavements inaccessible to disabled people.”

An Oxfordshire County Council spokesperson said: "Consideration for the local community and safety have been key considerations in this trial between the county council and Voi from the outset. That is why we have limited the trial area to Headington to begin with and with just 50 scooters available for hire."

Each bright orange scooter has a registration plate so if it is being misused it can be reported to Voi with a time and location at support@voiapp.io or via the app.

Other feedback can be emailed to the escooter.trial@Oxfordshire.gov.uk

You need to have a provisional or full driver licence to use the scooters.

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