Petrol scooters are expected to top many children's Christmas wish lists

Trading standards officers say powered scooters are classed as motor vehicles, despite often being sold as toys.

That means they can only be taken onto the road by over-16s with a licence, road tax, insurance and safety gear.

Scooters could cause serious injury if used inappropriately, officers said, and were unsuitable for young children.

Not all of the scooters on sale in shops are approved for use on the highway, said a spokesman for Yorkshire and Humber trading standards services.

If this was the case then a vehicle would not be eligible for road tax and, as such, would not be covered by insurance.

Therefore, parents are advised to check that scooters are compliant for road use before they buy.

I find it difficult to envisage a way in which they can be used in a safe manner Trading standards manager John Nicholson

East Riding of Yorkshire Council trading standards manager John Nicholson said: "In the past, parents and children with an interest in sports such as motocross encouraged children to learn off-road biking in well-organised events.

"However, this new breed of scooter is an off-road vehicle with an entirely different use to that of scrambling bikes.

"I find it difficult to envisage a way in which they can be used in a safe manner."

Jane Evison, East Riding of Yorkshire Council's portfolio holder for public protection, added: "A great deal of thought and research into the intended use of these products needs to have been undertaken before anyone considers buying one for a gift.

"The council is aware of instances of irresponsible use of scooters and is concerned that it doesn't escalate."

Dave Moore, owner of Petrol Scooters UK, which imports Go-Ped motorised scooters from the US, said his company made it clear to parents that scooters should only be ridden on private land with appropriate safety gear.

But he said that "inferior" versions of the popular scooter were being sold at market stalls without any such safeguards.