Surrey Police officers can confiscate the motorised scooters

Surrey Police said there had been an rise in the number of people illegally riding the scooters on pavements.

And many people who have been stopped told police they had no idea any restrictions were in place.

The Department for Transport said it did not believe the scooters were suitable for use on roads.

Viewed as mopeds

A police spokesman said road tax, MoT, insurance and a driving licence were required to take the scooters on the road.

But the Department for Transport is against their use on public roads, because they cannot withstand a collision.

They are often being sold as suitable for use by eight-year-olds and older, however they are not toys. Pc Jeff House

Pc Jeff House, the neighbourhood specialist officer for Horley, said people using the scooters on the road also needed the correct safety equipment.

He said: "If we catch anyone failing to comply with any of this, they will be given a warning which means if they are caught again they could face a fine, points on their licence or even a court appearance."

He added: "Equally if parents are allowing their children to ride a motorised scooter then they are responsible and could face the same penalties.

"They are often being sold as suitable for use by eight-year-olds and older, however they are not toys."

Pc House said anyone using the scooters dangerously or irresponsibly could face having them confiscated under the Police Reform Act 2002.