TEENAGER Christopher Symonds is not happy.
He cannot use the birthday present his parents bought him - unless he wants to break the law.
Powered scooter riders are regularly breaking the law without realising it, say police.
Youngsters buying into the craze of the petrol-powered machines should be over 16, wear a crash helmet and have vehicle insurance.
Yet scores of riders around Kirklees are under age and have no idea they need safety clothing or must pay a hefty premium.
Christopher, 14, of Lockbridge Way, Milnsbridge, was innocently bought a £275 scooter.
His mum, Pamela, has now confiscated it.
Christopher rode his pride and joy around the side streets of Milnsbridge before his family realised the legal pitfalls. It had a top speed of about 25mph.
"The shops are not telling you that you can't ride them," said Pamela.
She and husband Glen bought the gift while on holiday in Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire.
"The bloke who was selling it was fair chatty, saying what it could and couldn't do. He knew it was for Christopher," she said.
Pamela believed the store worker did not know the law. There was no disclaimer on the box.
"I'm just trying to warn other parents not to go out wasting their money," she added. "These laws are not being advertised enough."
Sgt Garry Alderson, of Calderdale Police, said petrol scooters came under motor vehicle laws if driven on public roads.
He warned: "These have got the potential of killing somebody.
"If a rider hits somebody, they are looking at some very, very serious offences."
Dangerous driving can carry a 10-year prison sentence.
"It is sad that these vehicles can be openly sold to people who do not realise that if they just take them on the road they will be committing a host of offences," added Sgt Alderson.
Peter Shepherdson, Calderdale Council's road safety officer, said: "If a pedestrian was hit by one it could easily result in them receiving a broken leg or worse.
"This is particularly worrying if the rider is not insured, as they could be sued for tens of thousand of pounds."
