Cumbria Police have issued a reminder to parents after officers spotted children out riding e-scooters on public land and highways in the area.

A spokesperson for Cumbria Police said “While we understand that these can be an exciting and costly purchase, we must remind parents and riders that privately owned e-scooters are illegal to use in public spaces”.

Here is what you need to know: The Law: Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, e-scooters are classified as motor vehicles.

The Rules: They require a driving licence, and insurance just like a car.

The Problem: It is currently impossible to get insurance for a privately owned e-scooter.

The Restriction: They can only be legally ridden on private land with the landowner’s permission (such as your own garden).

The Risk: It is illegal to ride them on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes, or in parks.

Police have the power to seize any e-scooter found being ridden in a public place.

Police advice is “If you do not have private land for your child to use an e-scooter, please do not purchase one”.