E-SCOOTER owners could have their vehicle seized and be hit with a £300 fine, a police chief has warned ahead of Christmas.

North Wales Police urged parents and members of the public to beware of buying the increasingly popular item as a present over the festive period.

It is currently illegal to use a privately owned e-scooter on public roads, pavements or cycle paths due to the risk they pose to pedestrians and traffic, with the capacity to reach speeds of up to 30mph. Their use is only permitted on private land with the permission of the land owner.

As well as a fine and vehicle seizure, riders could have six penalty points on their driving licence.

Chief inspector Jon Aspinall, of North Wales Police, said: “We know e-scooters can be popular Christmas presents but it’s important that anyone considering buying an e-scooter is fully aware that it is illegal to ride them on public roads.

“If a member of the public is caught riding an e-scooter on a public road, pavement, or cycle path, then your e-scooter will be seized, and you may be fined. The parents of children using e-scooters may also be responsible for any fines incurred from them being ridden illegally.

“While e-scooters can be seen as a great gift, they can reach speeds of more than 30mph and this can pose risks to pedestrians and other members of the public. We have already seized a number of e-scooters in recent months and we will continue to take action against anyone illegally riding an e-scooter in our communities.

“We need retailers to work with us to educate the public about the legal use of e-scooters and ensure that no one is inadvertently breaking the law."

Road Safety Wales is asking retailers to be fully transparent with customers, to recognise if an e-scooter would be unsuitable for where they intend to use it, and discuss whether a traditional bicycle or an e-bike would better suit their customer’s needs.

Teresa Ciano, Chair of Road Safety Wales, said: “Consumers may not realise that they could be affecting anyone by illegally riding an e-scooter, but they are increasingly being used on the highway and on footpaths and pavements, which is particularly concerning.

“For pedestrians of all ages, it is unacceptable that they are put at risk of being knocked over because someone selfishly chooses to ride an e-scooter illegally, with little regard for the law or for other people.

"For someone with sight or hearing loss, encountering an e-scooter being ridden on the pavement could have such an effect on them that they feel unable to go out on their own and completely lose their independence.”