Like many people throughout the country, parents and carers in Warwickshire may be buckling under pressure to buy their youngster a mini replica motor bike, motorised scooter or scrambler this Christmas.

Whilst these racing motorbikes can be great fun and could be the ideal gift for a budding grand prix champion!, anyone giving a young person a mini motor bike as a present, should make sure the youngster drives safely and stays within the law.

Mini motorbikes which may also be called monkey bikes or go-peds, which can travel over 5 mph, are classed as mechanically propelled motor vehicles and as such are subject to the Road Traffic Act.

To use this kind of bike on the road you need to:

• register the bike with the DVLA using for V555 from a main post office
• make sure the bike has European Whole Vehicle Type Approval by contacting the Vehicle Operator's Standards Agency on 0870 6060440
• tax the bike
• make sure the bike is fitted with a number plate, lights and brakes. To ensure these comply under the law you need to contact Marsham Street Public Enquiry Unit on 0207 944 8300
• the rider must hold a valid driver licence
• the rider must be insured - advice is available from the British Insurance Brokers Association on 0207 6239043
• the rider must wear a kite marked motorcycle helmet

PC Louise Lymbery from Warwickshire Police Road Policing Unit said: 'It can be very tempting to takes these bikes out on to the road or on to the pavement, but to do so without complying with the law could lead to prosecution or injury to the rider or to a pedestrian. People should also be aware that inappropriate use can lead to excessive noise and nuisance to other members of the community. We don't want to spoil anyone's fun, but parents, carers and riders must ensure these bikes are driven appropriately. Reputable shopkeepers will provide advice about where and how to ride the bikes and further advice is available from myself at Warwickshire Police on 01926 415426. Have fun on the bikes but always make sure they're used on private land, or the bike is legally covered for use on the road and of course - that they are driven safely."

Last year, Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards Service received complaints from consumers who had purchased mini bikes for their children only later to find it was illegal to use them in the street, or for their own use on the road.

Speaking about the use of these bikes, Noel Hunter, Director for Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards said:"Power assisted mini motorbikes have been widely advertised over the Christmas period and prices can be as low as £60 - which can make this an affordable Christmas present to many people. These scooters may be great fun but are simply not appropriate nor legal to use on public roads or pavements. They could pose a real threat to the riders themselves or other road users - particularly in the dark or poor weather conditions.”

Consumers who feel they may have been misled are asked to contact Warwickshire Trading Standards Advice line on 01926 414000.

Further information:

In September a 17 year old was spotted by Police riding a mini scrambler motorcycle on the pavement alongside the A428 at Binley Woods near to Coventry. When he saw the Police he fell off the machine and ran away. He was subsequently arrested, charged and appeared at Rugby Magistrates on October 10 for riding with no insurance and driving whilst disqualified. His punishment was - 18 months community rehabilitation order, 70 hours community punishment order, 6 months disqualification endorsement on his licence and costs of £50.

The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983 exclude relevant vehicles from road traffic legislation, but to satisfy this exemption the vehicle must have pedals by which it may be propelled, have an electric motor with no more than 200w output, and only benefit from electrical assistance up to 15mph.

The Use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations 1988 similarly exclude mobility scooters from road traffic legislation, but impose an absolute maximum speed of 8mph which must be switchable to 4mph when used on the pavement. Use of mobility scooters is restricted to people suffering from some physical defect or physical disability.

Battery powered scooters tend to be slower than petrol ones, often with a top speed of about 15 mph.

Scooters with a top speed of 5mph may be classed as toys and be allowed for use in public places provided they are under the supervision of an adult.