Motorised scooters peril alert

Police say they are particularly worried about scooters being ridden in public spaces in Ronkswood and near County Hall.

South Worcestershire Police say almost everyone who is riding a motorised scooter on the road or pavement is committing up to seven offences.

They have now issued strict guidelines identifying the legal requirements for all powered scooter owners if they want to take their machine on to the highway, including the pavement.

Mike Digger, the traffic management Adviser at South Worcestershire, said motorised scooters were classed as motor vehicles and had to be used accordingly.

"Virtually everyone with a powered scooter is almost certainly breaking the law in up to seven ways unless they use it on their own property or on someone else's with their permission," he said.

"Before they can be legally used on the road, the scooter must be registered, taxed and insured and the rider must be 16 or over, must hold at least a provisional licence and must wear a crash helmet.

"Additionally, it is an offence to use it on a footpath."

Mr Digger said the two most popular makes were Go-Ped and CityBug.

"There are increasing concerns over the use of Go-Ped-style scooters, particularly since there has already been one death nationally as a result of a collision between a rider and another motor vehicle," he said.

"Motorised scooters, however, should not be confused with electrically propelled pedal-cycles, which look like a bike except they have a battery-driven, rechargeable electric engine, with a reasonably good braking system.

"These are perfectly legal for use on the road without any of the licencing or other conditions that apply to a motorised scooter," added Mr Digger.

"Doting parents, well-meaning friends and relatives - or even youngsters themselves - shouldn't waste money on these so-called toys which, in the wrong hands, have the potential to cause another death or at the least serious injury."