PEOPLE caught riding electric scooters have been warned they could face prosecution.

The Department for Transport states electric scooters are illegal to ride on public roads because they are battery powered.

This classes them as a “personal light electric vehicle” and these are only allowed on private property.

And under the 1835 Highway Act, they are not allowed on pavements because the law does not allow any “carriages” on pavements.

However, there have been several sightings of people riding electric scooters in the streets and on the pavements across Brighton and Hove.

Sam Preston, of CD Scooters, a motorbike and moped shop in Lewes Road, Brighton, does not sell the electric scooters.

He said they were “dangerous” and “scary”.

He said: “Yes I think it’s right they are illegal.

“They are dangerous, they have no mirrors, no indicators, no brake lights, nothing.

“They should be used for fun and recreational use in your own place like they were originally meant for.

“They’re scary and they’re just silly – especially because they’re so silent.

“When it comes to mopeds and motorbikes we have so many rules and regulations we have to follow to get them on the road, such as MoT checks and taxing them, so why should something a fraction of the price be allowed when it’s more dangerous?”

Electric scooters are growing in popularity and people are demanding the outdated laws barring them from roads be updated.

In cities such as Paris the scooters have proved hugely popular, with laws passed allowing them to be ridden on roads and cycle lanes.

However, despite changes across Europe, electric scooters remain illegal to ride on public roads and pavements in Brighton.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Under current UK legislation, electric scooters cannot be used on the road or pavement; they can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

“Anyone with any concerns about antisocial driving or riding can report it via Operation Crackdown at www.operationcrackdown.co.uk”

He said anyone caught riding one faces being prosecuted:

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said the police would deal with any incidents if they deemed it necessary.

He said: “Offences involving moving traffic are a matter for the police. So issues around enforcing against illegal use of these vehicles would be a matter for them.”