Parents warned of pitfalls of buying e-scooters this Christmas

Thinking of buying an e-scooter as a gift this Christmas? You may want to rethink that idea.

Dyfed-Powys Police has teamed up with partners Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Powys and Ceredigion councils, as well as Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, to remind people that privately owned e-scooters are illegal to ride on public roads, pavements, parks and cycle paths.

Anyone caught doing so risks being issued with a £300 fine, six penalty points on their driving licence and having the e-scooter seized.

E-scooters can only be used on private land with the permission of the landowner.

Chief Inspector Thomas Sharville, Specialist Operations Department, said: “I would remind anyone considering purchasing an e-scooter as a Christmas gift that it is illegal to use a privately owned e-scooter on public roads, pavements or cycle paths.

“Their speed and silence can pose a significant danger to other road users and pedestrian safety, especially vulnerable pedestrians.

“Please consider a more suitable, and safer, gift for your loved ones

“Retailers may be happy to sell one to you but it could be seized the moment you attempt to use it in a public place.”

Additionally, for any driver or motorcyclist that has passed their driving test in the last two years it could result in a driving disqualification and the need to re-take both the theory and practical driving test.

Trials of rental e-scooters are taking place in some parts of England, but they should only be used within the local area hosting the trial.