Police have issued a stern warning to youngsters and their parents over the use of motorised scooters on the roads.

Officers are set to get tough on children they find riding the latest two-wheeled craze in public areas -- and they say parents could also find themselves in hot water if their offspring are involved in an accident.

After detailed investigations into the law concerning the scooters, Police now say they are classified the same as auxilliary cycles.

That means it is an offence to ride on the road if you are under 16, while those of age must have a licence and ensure the scooter is insured and licensed.

However, it is not clear whether the Ministry of Transport will even allow the scooters to be licensed or for a 16-year-old to take a test on one.

The Transport Control Department has been asked by the Transport Minister to look into the implications of licensing the machines, according to existing legislation.

A Police spokesman said they were particularly concerned over safety and liability issues that could arise from the motor scooters being on the roads, and urged parents to ensure they were kept away from public places.

"There may be civil liability issues that arise should parents allow their children to ride illegally, and that child either becomes the victim in, or the cause of, a road traffic accident,'' a Police spokesman said.

"We would encourage the use of such vehicles only on private property, and advise the use of proper and well-fitted safety gear at all times.''