Cambridgeshire Police are urging people who are thinking of buying an e-scooter as a Christmas gift to think again, as it could end up being a "pretty costly Christmas".
Since the start of 2025, Cambridgeshire Police have seized 332 e-scooters that have been used on public roads and in spaces that could seen them taken away.
Many people face fines for driving e-scooters illegally.
The only e-scooters that are permitted by law are those used in official council schemes.
PC AJ Boddington, the force's casualty reduction officer, said "it is a myth that you don't need any documentation or insurance to ride them".
"E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles and those riding them need to have a driving licence and insurance when using them on public roads and in spaces.
"Official schemes do have insurance and check driving licences but you cannot individually get private e-scooter insurance.
"Please think of this before you buy an e-scooter as it could end up being a pretty costly Christmas", said PC Boddington.
The warning comes after a man from Cornwall was spotted driving an illegal e-scooter on the pavement in St Neots while he was disqualified from driving.
He landed himself six weeks in prison as a result.
Those who do ride e-scooters through an official scheme are being urged to think about their visibility and wear helmets and high-vis clothing.
PC Boddington added: "Consider the changing conditions with wet weather and leaves making surfaces slippery.
"Make yourself seen, be aware and stay safe."
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