Grieving mum calling for tougher measures on e-scooter use
Carly Calland's son Jacob died after an e-scooter he was on crashed
A heartbroken mum, who lost her son in an e-scooter crash in Wythenshawe, wants the government to introduce tougher measures on who can use them.
On 19 March 2025, Carly Calland's 14-year-old son, Jacob, got on the back of his friend's e-scooter.
They then collided with a car - with neither of them were wearing a helmet or any other safety equipment.
Carly has now launched a petition - calling for:
- A ban on the sale of e-scooters for under-18s
- Mandatory e-scooter licencing, insurance, helmets and safety equipment
- A ban on carrying passengers
- Stricter punishments for those breaching or allowing breaches of laws related to e-scooters
Carly said:
"These kids these days get their hands on these e-scooters and think they're untouchable.. and they're not.
"It needs to be managed a little bit better. I think anybody under the age of 18 doesn't need an e-scooter, so lets make things a little bit safer by getting licences in place and when they buy them, the licence is produced so you know its right because some people don't understand these scooters are illegal."
Private e-scooters are illegal to use on public roads, cycle lanes and pavements.
After the crash, Jacob spent eight days in intensive care - with his mum sending text messages to Jacob's phone throughout to explain what was happening to him in the hope that he could read them after recovering to understand what he had gone through.
Tragically, Jacob lost his life on Thursday 27 March 2025.
Carly released a harrowing video called 'Jacob's Journey - Life over Death', which she hopes will educate parents and young people about the dangers of e-scooter use.
Carly added:
"School holidays are here and there's kids everywhere with their mates... I've seen three of them on one scooter before.
"I'm trying to shout this message a little bit louder just to say that Jacob did what you're doing, and he's no longer here, so I'm just trying to stop (you) in your tracks a little bit and just think, is it worth it?
"Most of the places that they're going is just nipping to their mates or they're just nipping to the shop, that's all Jacob was doing. He was just nipping out with his mates and just minutes later, his life was no longer here.
"Do I cry because I've lost my boy? Of course I do every day, but the grieving process can't start for me just yet because there's a lot going on behind the scenes and I need to keep busy while them things are being done.
"I thrive off helping other people, so if I know I can save another life or help another parent get through this, or help in any way, shape or form, then that's what I'm going to thrive from.
"Is my grieving process on its way? Of course it is and I'm not stupid or naive to that, but while I'm waiting for that to come, I want to do good for other people."
It was reported last week that the government was looking to make e-scooter riders display licence plates, pass a test, have insurance, and to have a minimum rider age requirement of 14.
But Carly says she will fight the age requirement.
"Jacob was 14. The youngest person that has died on an e-scooter is nine years of age and it goes all the way up to people in their 50s.
"I think 18... it's the same for a car. We have to get a licence to get a car. 14 I just think it's a stupid age (to legally ride an e-scooter).
"There was a young girl or boy who knocked over outside the school. I just think it's stupid, 14 is far too young."
Since 1 January 2025, Merseyside Police has seized more than 500 unregistered vehicles (e-bikes, e-scooters, and scramblers) across the region after they were used without insurance or a valid licence.
Many have also ben involved in other serious offences and crashes on the roads.
Superintendent Phil Mullally, who is leading 'Operation Gears' for Merseyside Police, said:
"The illegal and dangerous use of two-wheeled vehicles across Merseyside is a growing concern.
“That’s why through Operation Gears, Merseyside Police is taking firm and proactive action, seizing illegal bikes, arresting offenders, and increasing patrols in key areas to disrupt criminal networks and keep our communities safe.
“The reckless use of e-bikes, off road motorcycles and e-scooters are more than just a nuisance to communities, they are being used to commit serious criminal activity including drug supply, weapons offences and violence.
“The public can expect to see various operations targeting two-wheeled vehicles over the summer months and beyond, to provide a visible presence and disrupt offenders."
The petition has been signed by over 11,000 people in the last five weeks and is waiting on an official government response.
100,000 signatures would mean the petition would have to be considered for debate in parliament.
Carly said:
"It's just not me thinking it. Everyone is backing it, everyone knows that what I'm doing is right.
"They need to start listening. The government need to open up a little bit and start listening.
"Every day now people are reporting on e-scooters and e-bikes, something needs to be done and it needs to be done quickly because people are losing their lives for no reason.
"I'm not letting this go. Jacob's no longer with me, but his pain is my power and as much as Jacob would be like 'get me off here!' I know full well he is going to be proud of what I'm doing and saving other people.
"I've come too far, I'm not going to give up. What I'm doing is right.
"Jacob's army is humongous right now and the power of it, it will keep me going.
"It's going to change eventually and if they (the government) come back and say it's not changing, I want to know why. Why are you not doing what we're asking you to do and if you're not going to do what we're asking you to do, what are you going to do?"
A Department for Transport spokesperson said:
"Road safety is a top priority. Every death on our roads is a tragedy and our thoughts are with everyone who has lost a loved one in this way.
"E-scooters are only legal to use on the roads as part of Government-run trials, which recommend helmets and requires a minimum age, licensing, insurance, and training requirements."