A WARNING has been issued to menaces on electric scooters as they were criticised for riding “inconsiderately and dangerously” on pavements and roads.

Police officers issued what they have described as a “friendly reminder” after reports of adults riding at speed.

It comes as a “park and scoot” scheme is being considered for Basildon, which will see workers encouraged to ditch their cars for the last mile of their journey.

Electric scooters are classed as a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act and require insurance and a driving licence to be used on the roads.

You are also not allowed to ride them on pavements and footpaths or in parks.

A spokesman for Essex Police, said: “Electric scooters are classed as a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act.

“To use an electric scooter on a public road you will require insurance and a driving licence. Failure to have these may result in fines and points on your licence.

“As a motor vehicle, The Road Traffic Act also provides powers to police for offences such as drug and drink driving.

“All of these could impact your driving licence or future aspirations to attain a driving licence.

“As with any motor vehicle you are also not allowed to ride/drive on pavements, footpaths, parks and many open spaces, this may be deemed as anti-social behaviour.”

YouTuber and TV presenter, Emily Hartridge, died in London last year when her electric scooter collided with a lorry.

Her death was the first official electric scooter death in Britain.

Business news site Quartz reported in February 2020 that at least 29 people had died in e-scooter accidents since 2018.

The controversial, but eco-friendly scooters could be trialled in Basildon along with five other locations as part of a “Park and Scoot” scheme.

Workers could be encouraged to park a mile away from their office and use an electric scooter for the final stretch of their commute.

The scheme would also target the “most deprived” areas of Basildon, but users could be just charged £5 for just 20 minutes of use.

Councillor Kerry Smith, previously said the roads in Pitsea are in a poor state which could affect how safely the scooters can be ridden in the area.

He said: “The roads in Pitsea and the town centre have been left in a poor state for years.

“We will see a rise in people over at the A&E.

“The idea and thinking behind it is good, but sort out the roads first.”