Mum of Corby schoolgirl killed in e-bike incident backs police electric scooter and bike danger action
The mum of a 13-year-old Corby schoolgirl who tragically died last month following an e-bike incident has backed a police campaign highlighting dangers posed by electric scooters and bikes.
Stacey Walden’s daughter Ella died on Tuesday, April 7, following an incident in Elizabeth Street, Corby, involving an e-bike.
She has now helped local police officers launch ‘Operation Tides’ – an educational programmes – to tackle the illegal riding of e-scooters and e-bikes
The operation starts today (Monday, May 18) and prioritises ‘education and engagement’ with young people backed by officers from the Corby Neighbourhood Policing Team visiting all of Corby’s secondary schools to talk to students about the legislation surrounding e-scooters and how to be safe riding e-bikes.
Stacey said: “Our lives will never be complete again after losing our beautiful Ella. She died at the age of 13 following an incident involving an e-bike and as a family, we want to do everything we can to raise awareness, so this doesn’t happen to another child.
“I will be trying to change the laws around the use of e-scooters and e-bikes in light of Ella’s death, and I wholeheartedly support this campaign to highlight the dangers these vehicles pose.”
Officers will also speak to school staff around ensuring policies are in place regarding children arriving to school on e-scooters and e-bikes.
Letters and leaflets highlighting the legislation will be distributed to all Corby and Corby village schools for them to pass on to parents,carers and guardians, and during this time, officers will be stopping people using e-scooters or e-bikes and also giving them an information leaflet which will warn them of the upcoming crackdown.
From Tuesday, June 2, the team will begin the ‘enforcement stage of the operation’. Anyone found to be riding an e-scooter or e-bike illegally will have their vehicle seized and a ticket issued.
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector in Corby Matt Rock said: “In recent months, we have received several reports from members of the local community concerned about young people riding e-scooters and e-bikes in the town.
“Of particular concern is the use of high‑powered or modified e‑bikes that exceed legal limits and privately‑owned e‑scooters, which are not permitted for use on public roads or pavements.
“We know many young people see e-scooters and e-bikes as a convenient way to get around, but many are unaware of the laws and the very real risks involved.
“Our priority through Operation Tides is to educate and engage first, working with schools and parents to make sure children understand how to stay safe and what is legal. We urge parents and guardians to have open conversations with their children about the dangers of riding illegal e-scooters and e-bikes.
“From June, we will take firm action against illegal use, so please don’t be one of the people we seize a vehicle from.
“Our aim is always to prevent serious injuries and keep Corby’s roads and pavements safe for everyone, and we’re hoping that this operation will do just that.
“I’d like to thank Stacey for endorsing our operation and together, I hope we can raise as much awareness as possible in order to prevent further tragedies.”
Rules around e-bikes and e-scooters
E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. This means the rules that apply to motor vehicles also apply to e-scooters, including the need to have a licence and insurance.
There are two ways of using an e-scooter:
- by privately owning one
- by renting one through an authorised rental scheme
- It's not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters which means it’s illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces, such as parks, street pavements, and shopping centres. If you use a privately-owned e-scooter in public, you risk the vehicle being seized under S.165 Road Traffic Act 1988 for having no insurance.
You can rent e-scooters via e-scooter company Voi in Northamptonshire but only if you are aged 18+ and hold a valid full or provisional driving licence.
In the UK, you must be at least 14 years old to legally ride an e-bike. The e-bike must have a maximum motor power of 250W and a top assisted speed of 15.5 mph