Police in Wales have said that people are "inadvertently breaking the law" by using electric scooters on roads and pavements.
The "e-scooters" are defined as “powered transporters” by the UK Government and because of the way they are motorised and designed, they fall within the legal definition of a “motor vehicle”.
In the last year there has been an explosion in use of e-scooters with many using them to commute.
South Wales Police have issued a warning to the public that using them anywhere other than on public land is actually breaking the law unless they are part of an official trial.
A spokesman for the force said : "E-scooters are only legal to ride on private land with the landowner’s permission, or as part of a government trial – which is not taking place in South Wales.
"Riding an e-scooter in public when it is not part of an authorised trial is against the law and can result in penalty points, a fine and the vehicle being seized.
"We’re aware that those planning to use e-scooters are purchasing them in the mistaken belief they can legally use them on public paths and roads. This is not the case and people are inadvertently breaking the law in this way.
"Many e-scooters have a maximum speed of 15.5mph and some are able to exceed this, which can be dangerous for the rider and pedestrians if they are involved in a collision."
According to the UK Government, it is not illegal to sell powered transporters, "but responsible vendors will give customers accurate information about the legal restrictions on their use".
You can read the full guidance here.
There are parts of the UK where you are allowed to use e-scooters. The Department for Transport is conducting trials into their use as part of the "green recovery" but none of these areas are in Wales.
