Young children caught riding electric bikes on road

West Yorkshire Police's Batley and Spen Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) posted a warning to parents on its Facebook page today.

It came after officers dealt with two separate incidents where young children were spotted riding MXR1300W electric dirt bikes - which can reach a top speed of 20 miles per hour - on live public carriageways.

Police seized this blue electric motorbike (Image: West Yorkshire Police)

One of the youngsters was caught in the Birstall area, while the other was caught Newsome, Huddersfield, last week. 

This was part of Operation Teakshot - an initiative where officers patrol on off-road bikes across hotspots known for off-road anti-social behaviour, as well as deploying in areas identified by residents as having ongoing issues.

Both motorcycles were seized by police.

Officers gave education advice to the youngsters and their parents but decided not to take further action.

Police seized this green electric motorbike (Image: West Yorkshire Police)

The Facebook post said: "We would urge parents to be mindful children with electric bikes are not putting themselves at risk after officers caught two children riding very low-powered bikes on public roads used by cars.

It added: "They are MXR1300W electric dirt bikes with a top speed of 20mph and were seen being ridden on live public carriageways by children under 10 years old in separate incidents.

"These types of bikes are designed for off-road use only in a private area and activity should always be supervised and with appropriate safety equipment to negate risk of injury.

"There is no doubt the young people involved were putting themselves at serious risk of injury by using these machines in the way they were.

"Officers gave educational advice to the young riders and their parents and will not be taking any further action on this occasion.

"However we would remind parents they could risk facing prosecution themselves if they cause/permit a child to ride illegally on the roads."