Police are reminding members of the public who may be planning to buy vehicles such as motorcycles, mini motos, electric scooters and quad bikes as Christmas presents to check the laws before buying.
These vehicles, including Go Ped’s and Segways, are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles and as such are subject to road traffic laws.
They cannot be used on public highways, only on private property with the owner’s consent.
It is also illegal to use a mechanically propelled vehicle in spaces that are set aside for use by pedestrians, cyclists, and horse-riders; this includes on the pavement and in cycle lanes.
Inspector Jamie Bell, from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “Many people won’t realise when buying these items as gifts that they are subject to road traffic laws and people can be prosecuted for not abiding by them.
“With electronic scooters becoming more popular this year due to a number of trials around the country, people need to be aware that they cannot be ridden on public roads and that they have to abide by road traffic laws. In the eyes of the law they are classed as every day vehicles and they can be seized.
“Of course, we don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, but anyone buying vehicles like electronic scooters, quad bikes and mini motors needs to ensure that they are used responsibly and on private land with the landowners’ permission. Parents could even face fines or points on their license for allowing children to use vehicles in contravention of the Road Traffic Act.”
If on a public road, all riders or drivers of motor vehicles must hold a suitable licence, insurance, tax, registration plate and may also need a valid MOT.
Public roads include a highway, any road that the public has access to, public footpaths, bridleways and a number of car parks.
For further information please visit askthe.police.uk.
