E-SCOOTER owners have been warned they face a £300 fine if they ride them on any public land.

Only Beryl scooters can be used on public roads, pathways and promenades because they form part of a government trial.

A policy of insurance is also included in the hire and the user has to upload details of their driving licence before renting the scooter.

A spokesman for Christchurch Police said: "We are seeing a rise in the use of e-scooters and there can sometimes be a bit of confusion on where they are allowed on the roads and what the rules are.

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"Currently it is illegal to ride a privately owned e-scooter on a public road, cycle lane or pavement in the UK so you can only legally ride the scooter on your own land – so your garden or driveway.

"UK law states that if you are found to be riding a privately owned e-scooter that is not being used as part of a government trial, you could be handed a £300 fixed-penalty notice and, if you have one, six points on your driving licence. We hope this clears some of the confusion up."