Police have issued a warning about the risks of using e-scooters illegally.

Officers in Calne have noticed an increase in reports concerning e-scooters around the Wiltshire town.

A spokesman said: “We will be looking to take appropriate action on these scooters before someone is involved in or seriously injured in a road traffic or pedestrian collision.”

The two-wheelers are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles, so they are treated as motor vehicles and subject to the same legal requirements, such as an MOT, licensing, tax, and insurance.

As e-scooters do not have number plates or signalling ability and do not always have visible rear lights, they cannot be used legally on the road.

It is against the law to ride a privately-owned e-scooter in any public place in the UK, including on pavements, parks, town centres, or promenades.

The only place a privately-owned e-scooter can be used is on private land with the permission of the land owner.

The police spokesman added: “Our focus is on talking to the riders and making them aware of the law regarding e-scooters.

“Offenders who knowingly and persistently break the law will be dealt with appropriately. The scooter will be seized and the rider will be reported for any offences.”