WITH motorised scooters high on many Christmas present lists Wiltshire police are reminding parents they cannot be used on the highway.

Such scooters usually consist of a board, two wheels, a steering handle and a fitted engine which can generate speeds of up to 25mph in some cases.

Police fear there is a general misconception, however, that machines like this can be used on the highway.

But road safety experts say they cannot - which means they can not legally be used on roads, car parks, footpaths and bridlepaths.

Technically, if taken onto the highway (which includes the pavement) the motorised scooter is classified as a motor vehicle and its use is illegal. In effect they become mopeds which require, for example, insurance, MoT, rear registration plate, road tax, brakes, lights and a horn.

The problem say police, is it's not possible for these types of scooter to satisfy all these legal requirements.

In any case, apart from all the legal requirements, they are not safe to be used on the highway.

They can only be used in private areas but even there police say users must be aware of noise, nuisance and inconvenience to others.

Persistent use which causes disturbance or distress to others could be considered anti-social behaviour that could result in the scooter being confiscated.

All users should wear a crash helmet, elbow and knee pads.