Police say how much you could be fined for using an e-scooter

Other than in a select few areas which are holding trials on rental scooters, riders can be punished for using the scooters on roads, cycle lanes and pavements.

In fact, scooter owners can only use the vehicles on private land.

Privately-owned electric scooters are illegal to use anywhere other than private land

So, we contacted police in the South East to find out what punishments could be issued to those caught riding e-scooters in public:

1. London

Inspector Myles Hilbery, of the City of London Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: "It’s not possible to get insurance for a private e-scooter, meaning they’re illegal to use on roads or public places. 

"If you use an e-scooter in any public place in the city, whether it’s on the road, the pavement or other public place, you will be breaking the law and can be prosecuted.

• READ MORE: Electric scooter seized after tailgating cars and overtaking them at more than 30mph

"While we will often issue a verbal warning for first time offenders, if you continue to use your e-scooter, our officers will take further action against you.

"Some of the offences include driving without a valid licence and driving without insurance, which could result in a £300 fine and up to six points on your driving licence if you have one.

"On top of this, your e-scooter may also be seized."

This e-scooter was seized by police after being ridden dangerously on the road

2. Sussex

A Sussex Police spokesman said that "police will engage with and educate individuals on the legislation around the use of e-scooters".

The county is not taking part in an e-scooter trial, so the vehicle's remain illegal to use anywhere other than private land.

The force said punishments could vary depending on the offence committed by the rider.

Examples of offences which could be committed by riders included:

• Driving with no insurance (a fine of up to £300 and six penalty points)
• Driving with no driving licence (a fine of up to £1,000 and between three and six penalty points)
• Driving with no MOT (a fine of up to £1,000)

As a result, the Sussex Police spokesman said the maximum penalty which can be issued to an e-scooter rider was "variable".

• READ MORE: Illegal e-scooters can be seized if used on roads

But he confirmed that they would be treated as drivers if caught.

The spokesman said: "They are treated as drivers due to the mechanically propelled vehicle they are using."

Electric scooters involved in a council trial

3. Essex

Essex County Council is running a trial of an e-scooter rental system in Basildon, with further trials planned in Braintree, Brentwood, Clacton, Chelmsford and Colchester.

But privately-owned electric scooters are still illegal to use anywhere other than private land.

Essex Police say the scooters involved in the trial are easily identifiable as they "look different to private scooters" with a bright orange design and SPIN branding.

Chief Inspector Emma Bullock, Head of Roads Policing at Essex Police, said: "It is illegal to use a motor vehicle without the appropriate licence or insurance.

"As it is not possible to get insurance for private e-scooters, that means it is illegal to use them in a public place.

• READ MORE: Electric scooters still illegal on roads, warn police

"It’s really important to emphasise that if you’re not hiring an e-scooter from SPIN as part of the council pilot scheme, and using it within the 6 areas which are part of the scheme, you’ll be breaking the law.

"Safety is really important too, and we will take action against anyone breaking the law.

"That could mean not only seizing the e-scooter but it may also mean prosecution for using a motor vehicle and not having insurance or the appropriate licence."