ANYONE riding a motorised scooter without a licence, tax, and insurance is actually breaking the law, police have warned.

The scooters were popular Christmas presents for youngsters but police have warned they fall under normal road traffic regulations.

A number of complaints have been made about youngsters riding such scooters, prompting police to clear up any confusion.

Pc Richard Waterhouse, of Redditch police, said: "As these vehicles are designed to be powered electrically, normal road traffic regulations would apply.

"This means that the scooters should not be ridden on pavements or public footpaths and would require tax and insurance when being used on the public highway.

"The rider would also need a licence and would have to wear a suitable helmet."

He added: "Anyone considering buying one of these scooters as a present for a child should give careful consideration to the amount of space needed.

"We recommend children only use them in the garden or on private land and wear helmets just like they would for a bike."

Pc Waterhouse said retailers might be unaware that motorised scooters had similar legal requirements to mopeds so did not promote them in the correct way.