Electric scooters have become a popular mode of transport for many – but it is currently illegal to ride them in public areas.

It is only legal to ride e-scooters on private land with the landowner’s permission.

Riding an e-scooter in a public area, such as on roads or pavements, may result in being reported for traffic offences and the e-scooter being seized by police.

A fine of £300 and six penalty points could be issued on the spot to e-scooter riders who are not insured.

Watford Observer: A flyer created by Hertfordshire policeA flyer created by Hertfordshire police

Because the law prohibits e-scooters on public property, users of these vehicles are uninsured.

What do the police say?

"E-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) so they are treated as motor vehicles. As such, if they are used on a road, pavement or public place they are subject to the same legal requirements as any motor vehicle.

“We would also ask anyone using an e-scooter legally – i.e. on private land – to carefully consider their safety before doing so.

“All riders should wear a helmet and younger riders particularly would benefit from additional protective clothing such as knee and elbow pads to minimise injury should you come off.”

Injuring or killing a pedestrian when riding an electric scooter on the pavement opens the scooter rider to prosecution that could result in a prison sentence.

American actress Lisa Banes died this week in hospital after she was hit by a scooter while walking across a pedestrian crossing in Manhattan on June 4.

Suffering from a head injury, she subsequently died in hospital on Monday June 14.

This comes amid growing concerns over the safety of e-scooters which have small wheels therefore making them more prone to accidents on roads which have potholes and uneven surfaces.