Additional reporting by Ben Austin

Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner has warned against buying e-scooters for Christmas, saying people are misinformed over the legalities of the devices.

Matthew Scott – who has been vehemently against the use of the vehicles – has discouraged their purchase as a gift this festive season.

He said: "Don't buy one for Christmas. E-scooters are not covered with legislation in the same way that people think they are.

"Privates scooters are not legal on public roads; they can only be used on private roads with the owner's permission so therefore, it's really important; don't waste money buying an e-scooter thinking you can ride it along the streets of Kent because you can't and if you get caught, there's a likelihood that police will take it off you."

Electric scooters have been a controversial topic, especially in Canterbury, for the last two years.

In 2020 the city had a year-long trial of scooter for hire so people could avoid public transport in the wake of coronavirus while helping the environment.

It continued well beyond its conclusion date being twice extended - each time for a year.

The Department for Transport offered additional extension to allow the use of scooters until May 2024 but Kent County Council rejected this motion allowing the trial to run its course and finish on November 30 this year.

Opponents argued the scooters were dangerous.

In July, pensioner Sarah Carter suffered a broken wrist, jaw and cheekbone after she was struck by a Bird e-scooter being ridden on a pavement.

In November 2020, Pauline Lilford now 60, was left bed-bound after being knocked down by a privately-owned scooter while walking along a pavement.

She suffered two broken limbs and was unable to look after her elderly mother with dementia.

The man who rammed into her, Joshua Mpia, was handed a suspended jail sentence.

Ms Lilford described the experience - which saw her flung through the air - as “like being hit by a car”.

Privately-owned e-scooters are illegal.

PCC Matthew Scott previously hit out at the devices during the trial due to deaths being linked to devices elsewhere.

He said previously: “On safety grounds alone, the e-scooter experiment needs to stop.”

The city council’s Labour leader Dave Wilson welcomed the end of the trial.

He said: “The scooters - without adequate infrastructure - are a mess and it’s quite clear they have been involved in incidents and near-misses."

Though the trial has been closed for almost a week now, e-scooters are still being used across the county.

KentOnline reporter Max Chesson spotted multiple riders still using a private scooter in public areas while taking a walk through Canterbury City Centre.

He concluded though "their use might now be outlawed, it’s like nothing has changed. The e-scooter trial may be over - but it would appear they're not going anywhere."