 Children can only use the machines legally on private land |
People who use miniature scooters on public roads risk having their machines confiscated and crushed, police in south Worcestershire are warning. Officers say they have had to deal with 20 recent complaints about the vehicles - known as mini-motos - being used on the public highway.
Riders need to be licensed and insured to use the bikes on roads or pavements, the Department for Transport has ruled.
Police say riders under 16 can only legally use the bikes on private land.
The warning follows incidents in Droitwich Spa, Hanley Swan, Malvern and Worcester.
Mike Digger, traffic management advisor to West Mercia Police, said: "The Department for Transport (DfT) has classified these type of motorcycles and scooters as motor vehicles.
"Virtually everyone riding a mini-moto or a powered scooter is almost certainly committing as many as seven offences, unless they are on their own property or on someone else's with their permission.
Crash helmet
"This means that in certain circumstances, police can seize the machines and have them crushed.
"We would, therefore, urge all riders - and parents - that the riding of mini-motos is restricted to private land."
The DfT classification means that riders on the public highway must be 16 or over, hold at least a provisional licence and wear a crash helmet, and their machines must be registered, taxed and insured.
As mini-motos are also seen as a type of motor vehicle, it is also an offence to use them on the pavement in any circumstances.
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In certain circumstances, police can seize the machines and have them crushed
