POLICE are warning that riding an electric scooter on roads is illegal.

They are issuing advice following queries from members of the public.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said:  "We’ve received a few enquiries about the law surrounding electric scooters which are classified as ‘powered transporters’ and although we haven’t seen any incidents in relation to their use, we wanted to give you an understanding of where they can and cannot be used.

"Fundamentally, it is illegal to use them on pavements, cycle lanes, beach promenades, bridleways or any other publicly accessible land such as a park or car park.

"You are only legally permitted to ride them on private property.

"In legislation, an electric scooter is classified as a motor vehicle and therefore the rider would be subject to the same requirements as when driving a car such as having a driving licence and insurance.

"A government trial is currently underway around approved rental of e-scooters but until the legislation is changed, individuals could face a fine and penalty points on their licence and the scooter could be impounded if being used on publicly accessible land.

You can find more information about electric scooters and the government UK trial here: https://bit.ly/3jqQl3s