Readers have their say on e-scooters coming to Wellingborough, Rushden, Higham Ferrers and Corby

Could e-scooters be the next big thing or just a fad that will soon be forgotten?

The Northants Telegraph reported yesterday (Thursday) that e-scooters are coming to Wellingborough, Rushden, Higham Ferrers and Corby following successful roll-outs in Northampton and Kettering.

They will be going live in these towns from Thursday (February 25) but unsurprisingly, the news has led to a mixed response from readers.

Samuel Shoesmith from Wellingborough Active Travel told the Northants Telegraph: "I'm a fan of micro-mobility and anything that seeks to get people out of cars for short journeys is a good thing for the individual but also wider society.

"Scooters may encourage people to walk a bit of the way and then e-scoot for a leg of the journey so there may be movement factored in.

"The electric scooters themselves only transport people just by standing on them and rotating the wrist, no leg action required.

"The World Health Organisation recommends 150 minutes of vigorous-intention aerobic physical activity a week.

"This doesn't help people incorporate activity into their daily lives.

"Overall I am pleased there is a choice in how we can get about."

But Samuel went on to say: "I am concerned about safety, however.

"I ride my bicycle every day around Wellingborough and there are so many potholes and some are so deep.

"I sometimes get so shaken as I go down one.

"I wonder how these tiny wheels on the e-scooters will fare.

"It is a shame that these e-scooters have to be ferried back to the factory in Northampton.

"It would make sense if Voi hired out a vacant premise somewhere central in Wellingborough where the scooters could be charged and maintained if needed.

"I am more pleased to note that Voi e-bicycles are planned to roll out in each of the towns.

"This will encourage people to cycle, be active and with the electric pedal assistance will be able to go even further.

"Once restrictions are eased and Critical Mass Wellingborough starts back up, the e-bicycles may have been delivered by then so anyone can join in the ride with a bit of a boost."

Over on our Facebook page, people were divided over the e-scooters.

This was one of the positive comments, which said: "Good stuff, keep them going."

But many of the others were more negative, including one reader saying: "We will need a bigger A&E Dept and more police to deal with all the accidents and thefts of them."

Another said: "Good luck with all the clutter all over your pavements as those are abandoned all over the place like they are in Northampton."

One comment read: ""The Brook in Wellingborough has trolleys and the like in it, now it will be e-scooters, lovely."

Covid was also raised as a concern by one reader, who said: "With infection rate so high in our areas is this really a good idea at the moment?"

Let us know your thoughts on the e-scooters by emailing [email protected] or commenting on our Facebook page.

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