POLICE are warning parents who buy their children motorised scooters that it is illegal to ride them on public roads and footpaths.

The popular scooters, which can reach speeds of 25mph, are not designed for use on anything other than private property.

Sgt Dave Melvin, police road safety officer, said: "There have been at least two deaths that we are aware of in the UK. One involved a scooter which was being used on the road by an adult, and the other was an electric scooter being used on the pavement by an eight-year-old child, who veered into the path of an oncoming vehicle."

Parents could be liable for damages if their child crashes into someone else while on a scooter, particularly somewhere where the scooter should not have been used. Police are advising riders to wear a helmet as well as knee and elbow pads.