Parents have been warned not to buy electric scooters as Christmas presents for their children.

The caution comes from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Donna Jones, who is concerned about the legality and safety of these devices.

Currently, it is legal to purchase e-scooters in the UK and they cannot be insured, making it illegal to use them on roads or in public spaces such as parks, pavements, and shopping centres.

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Ms Jones said: "As police commissioner, it is my priority to ensure the safety and security of our communities.

"Too often, we see people on privately-owned e-scooters riding dangerously on roads and pavements, breaking the law, being involved in anti-social behaviour, and putting other road users and pedestrians at risk.

"If you buy your child an e-scooter, you are encouraging them to break the law and putting them at risk."

In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, there have been two fatalities and 20 serious injuries involving e-scooters since 2021. January to April this year saw 14 serious injuries.

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In February, Ms Jones signed a contract enabling Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary to destroy any e-scooter or e-motorcycle used in crime as part of Operation Crush. 

She said: "I continue to encourage the police to crack down on illegal scooter use, recognising this is a growing problem which clearly continues to cause concern for the public.

"Operation Crush sends a clear message. By removing illegally-operated e-scooters from circulation, criminal activity will be disrupted, the risk of injuries is reduced, and our streets will be safer."

Inspector Andy Tester said: "Privately owned, powered, two-wheeled vehicles such as e-bikes, e-scooters and off-road electric motorcycles are not road legal.

"If these are used in public places, they could be seized, destroyed and you could receive a fine and points on your licence."

From January to November this year, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary seized 111 e-scooters and 16 e-bikes.

Ms Jones added: "We must do everything we can to ensure safety on our roads and in our public spaces."