POTENTIAL accidents from rental electric buggies, bikes and scooters at public recreational spots in Penang are causing worry among some folk.
They said safety was mostly determined by user behaviour as this activity was operating in a grey area.
At Gurney Bay, single-passenger scooters to four-seater buggies ply the seafront promenade.
Adults are spotted riding while holding children on their laps and there are children manoeuvring through crowded, dimly lit paths at night.
Housewife Sherine Lim, 48, a regular jogger, said she had witnessed several near-misses in recent months.
“The pathways are not very wide and sometimes the scooters suddenly appear beside you without warning.
“I have seen riders lose control while turning, and pedestrians getting bumped.
“It is especially risky for elderly people and children,” she said.
Visitor Aisyah, 34, said she worried about the growing number of these vehicles, especially during the weekend and school holidays.
“The walkway and playground are already crowded.
“Some vehicles move quite fast and there are times when children are operating them without proper supervision,” she said.
She urged for stricter rules, speed limits and designated lanes.
Sales executive Jeremy Tan, 41, said the situation had worsened over the past year as more operators appeared.
“At night, some areas are dark and these vehicles are almost silent.
“I once saw a buggy nearly crash into an elderly couple after the teen driver failed to slow down,” he said.
Safety is in the spotlight after an April 26 accident at Persiaran Karpal Singh due to alleged brake failure.
A 33-year-old man sustained a broken finger, his wife suffered internal injuries while their three-year-old daughter had a gash on her forehead.
The family lodged a police report, claiming the rental operation was unlicensed and unsafe.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) subsequently issued an order to halt activities pending an investigation.
Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said five operators had been suspended.
Checks found that the operator of the vehicle involved in the accident had been licensed since April 10 but had breached conditions.
“We have issued a letter seeking an explanation,” he said, adding that Gurney Bay is managed by Chief Minister Incorporated.
Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim urged stricter safety measures at recreational areas.
“These activities are meant to support family-friendly spaces.
“However, safety must always come first and operators have to be responsible.”
She said complaints of speeding and accidents had been raised before and reported to the city council.
