TWO Ipswich mothers are today warning parents against electric scooters after discovering their sons were breaking the law.After reading police warnings in the Evening Star last week the women realised their children had fallen foul of the law.

TWO Ipswich mothers are today warning parents against electric scooters after discovering their sons were breaking the law.

After reading police warnings in the Evening Star last week the women realised their children had fallen foul of the law.

Motorised scooters must not be used on public roads or footpaths by anyone under 16.

Wendy Richardson, of Renfrew Road, is £180 out of pocket after buying one for her 15-year-old son.

The mother-of-seven said: "I bought the scooter as an early Christmas present for Luke three weeks ago to help him out on his paper round.

"Now I have found out that it illegal for him to ride it."

The firm where the scooter was bought from refused to offer a refund, although she claims they told her it was suitable for her son.

Now the scooter is just sitting in her shed unused.

Mrs Richardson added: "It's a waste of money that I can't afford as I am on income support.

"People need to be warned about this in the run up to Christmas."

Mrs Richardson's neighbour Beverley Hadley bought a scooter from the same store for her son Ryan, aged 13.

After taking it back three times for faults since it was purchased at the start of the summer holiday, Ryan's scooter is now also relegated to the shed.

Mrs Hadley said: "I am too scared to ask for a refund now after taking it back so many times."

Police issued a warning last week to parents about the legal status of the motorised scooters.

They are classed in the same bracket as any other motorised vehicle, which leaves them out of bounds to the under-16s.

Riders must have either a provisional, bike or car driving licence and be covered by third party insurance.

The vehicle must also have an MOT if it is more the three years old.