Police today issued an urgent warning to parents and youngsters over the danger of new powered scooters being ridden on the roads and pavements.
Officers have spoken to a number of teenagers about the situation and fear it is only time before someone will be seriously hurt
The Go-peds and E-scooters can do up to 25mph and have been spotted in Clacton, Holland-on-Sea and St Osyth.
They are powered either by petrol or electrics and cost between £300 and £500.
Insp Richard Day, of Clacton police, said the increase in the numbers of these machines around the streets was causing a major worry.
"No-one has been injured yet but we are concerned this may happen," he said.
Insp Day said under no circumstances can they be used on the pavement. If they are to be used on the road, they must be modified.
"They have to be taxed, insured, registered with proper number plates and the rider must be 16 or older," he added.
"They must have a provisional driving licence and a compulsory basic training certificate from a driving school to show some level of competence."
The only place they can be used without the restrictions is on private land and then they have to be supervised.
Published Friday, June 13, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article