It is the latest trendy way to beat the jams, but police are warning people caught up in the Go-ped craze they could be breaking the law.

More and more of the machines - adult-sized scooters with motors - can be seen carving their way through Brighton and Hove's gridlocked streets after being a popular Christmas gift.

But Go-peds are technically motor vehicles and their owners could be stopped and prosecuted.

The scooters, which cost about £250, need to be taxed, insured and carry number plates before they can be taken on the road.

Riders must be over 16, wear a crash helmet and can only drive on roads. They are banned from pavements, parks and the seafront.

The problem has been highlighted by PC Mark Pinder, community beat manager for North Portslade.

He said: "Go-peds are becoming more popular in the city and can be seen being ridden by children as well as adults.

"However, they are classed as motor vehicles and are essentially outlawed throughout the UK unless they, and the riders, comply with legislation.

"I have stopped several riders who were completely unaware of this and had been told they were street legal when they bought them.

"One mother in Portslade is trying to get the money back from the shop that sold a Go-ped to her son after I told them it was illegal for him to use it.

"She is angry they were misled into believing it was exempt and could be ridden legally by her son."

PC Pinder added that parents who let their children ride the machines on pavements or the seafront were encouraging them to break the law.

He said: "They cannot ride them unless they are 16 or over and then only on the road. It does not matter whether they are battery-powered or petrol-driven."

A spokeswoman for the Department of Transport said: "Some dealers are advising customers that Go-peds which are battery powered are exempt.

"That is not the case and they risk being prosecuted if they use them in public places."