Teenage boy caught speeding on electric scooter given six points on future driving licence

Increasingly popular electric scooters have top speeds of 40mph, but are not road-legal in UK

Police have issued a warning to parents ahead of Christmas over “the consequences” of buying scooters for their children

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A 15-year-old boy has been given six points on his future driving licence after being caught riding an electric scooter “at high speeds”.

Cleveland Police said the boy appeared in court last month after he was caught by officers.

“He appeared in court in October and he has been given six points which will be added to his driver’s licence when he is able to have one,” the force said.

Officers did not reveal any further details of the offence, but ahead of Christmas issued a warning to parents about “the consequences” of buying scooters for their children.

Electric scooters often look similar to micro scooters, but are capable of reaching speeds of up to 40mph, and are not road-legal. It is also against the law to ride them on pavements. They can only been ridden on private land.

PC Mike Doherty, from Coulby Newham neighbourhood policing team said: “These scooters are not toys, and not only can they be extremely dangerous but they are also not legal to ride on pavements and roads and I think many parents aren’t aware of this.

“Under the Road Traffic Act we can report the individual rider for not having insurance, a licence, a number plate, helmet and MOT for the scooter.

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“This person will then be reported for summons and will be given a minimum of six points on their licence or future licence and a possible fine.”

New drivers lose their licences if they accumulate six or more points during the first two years of driving and must retake their driving test.

Those who already have six points on their licence before passing a driving test can still legally drive, and the points will be inactive, either until they receive any more points – at which point they will lose their licence – or until the points expire after three years.

There is no provision for the scooters in UK law as yet. In France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria, electric scooters can be ridden on both cycle lanes and the pavement, provided users stick to speed limits. In California, riders must be over 16 and wear helmets.