ISLE of Wight police have slammed the 'shocking' use of e-scooters recently, and are reminding the public of the rules surrounding them.

Sgt Radford says it's time for a refresher, after witnessing some "shocking usage" of both Beryl and privately owned scooters.

They are classified as a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act, meaning they need insurance, tax and an MOT.

"If you have an accident on your privately owned e-scooter, you will not be insured," said Sgt Radford.

"You may be liable for any damage or injury that you cause.

"If you are seriously injured using something on the road that is not legal, you have no legal or additional medical or financial protection.

"I know some of you won’t agree with the law and love your e-scooters. I would ask you give it some time for the trial to take place and find another method of transport.

"If you feel differently about the law or want to speak to someone about it, you will need to contact your MP.

"For any complaints or further questions about Beryl scooters, please see their website or speak to your local councillor."

Privately owned scooters are not legal for road use, meaning you can only use them on private land, and not in a public place.

On the Island, the company Beryl has e-scooters available for hire, and adjustment have been made in the law to allow these.

Beryl is responsible for the upkeep and road worthiness of the scooters, which have a maximum speed of 12.5mph.

The scooters needs to be treated as a motor vehicle, and the rules are almost identical to those for a motorbike or car.

You can not use them on the pavement, you need to obey all road signs and there must be only one rider per scooter.

You need a provisional licence and you can not hire a scooter for someone else to use.

The scooters can be used in a cycle lane that is attached to a road. This means that if the cycle route is on a pavement you can not use it.

An example of this will be the one in Newport, on Coppins Bridge.