Privately owned e-scooters are still illegal on public roads, cycle lanes and pavements, residents are being reminded.

While trials of rental e-scooter schemes were made legal last year, launching in High Wycombe and Aylesbury in November, the laws on private e-scooters have remained unchanged.

It means you can legally use one of the yellow Zipp Mobility e-scooters, but you cannot use a private one - although many have still been seen out on the roads.

Anyone caught using a privately owned e-scooter on a public road is committing a crime and can be prosecuted, Transport for Bucks and Thames Valley Police have warned.

Their road safety initiative Travel Safe Bucks (TSB) has launched a social media campaign running in March and April to raise awareness of the law on private e-scooters.

The potential penalties depend on the nature and gravity of the offence, ranging from a fine and penalty points to disqualification from driving.

The e-scooter could also be impounded.

People using e-scooters dangerously or while under the influence of drink or drugs can also be convicted of crimes which could lead to jail.

It is only legal to use a privately owned e-scooter on private land, with the permission of the landowner.

Buckinghamshire Council transport chief Nick Naylor said: "The law is very clear that privately owned e-scooters can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

"For those using the e-scooters as part of the government trials we know they can bring many benefits such as reducing carbon emissions, cheaper and more accessible travel and congestion reduction in our towns and cities, but that mustn’t be at the expense of road safety.

"If you use an electric scooter as part of the rental schemes, please do so safely and legally, brush up on the highway code and your responsibilities as a road user.

"Although there is no legal requirement for a helmet to be worn, Travel Safe Bucks recommend wearing one when using an e-scooter as they can travel at speeds of up to 15.5mph and a helmet is a simple way of protecting yourself from injury.

"E-scooters are very quiet, and pedestrians may not hear them approaching so please watch out for each other and share the roads safely."

PC Liz Johnson, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, added: "Electric scooters are growing in popularity, but privately owned e-scooters can only be used on private land, with consent of the landowner.

"This means that anyone who uses a privately owned e-scooter on a public road or other public space is committing offences and could be prosecuted. I am keen to make anyone considering buying an e-scooter aware of this information before they make a purchase.

"As e-scooters are classed as vehicles, the laws in place around cars also apply to electric scooters, so if you are caught committing the offence you could get a £300 fixed-penalty notice and six points on your driving licence.

"These laws are in place for both your safety, and the safety of other road users."