BUYING a motorised scooter as a Christmas gift could result in traffic prosecutions, police have warned.

The small petrol and electric-powered scooters are being bought for Christmas presents.

But police are warning parents to think twice before buying them for children.

Inspector Dave Marshall, from Chester-le-Street police, said the scooters, which have engines usually no larger than 22cc, are classed as motor vehicles.

This means that if they are taken on roads or pavements, they must be taxed and insured and only driven by those over 16-years-old with a moped licence.

Legally, the vehicles are classed under the category of mopeds and may even need an MOT after three years.

Insp Marshall said: "A lot of parents will be planning to buy these things at Christmas, and will be paying a lot of money for them thinking kids can drive them all over the streets.

"But they are classed as motor vehicles, so to use them on roads and footpaths is illegal."

The scooters, which usually cost between £200 and £300, can only legally be driven on private land with permission from the landowner.

Insp Marshall said anyone caught driving them on pavements or roads could be prosecuted.

He said: "Police certainly have powers to prosecute any children using them because they are dangerous.

"They are certainly capable of hurting people if they hit them."