Penalty points - for riding scooter

The youngster does not even possess a licence that can be endorsed.

Michelle Fishpool warned people the same could happen to their children if they ride around on similar machines.

Mrs Fishpool and husband, Rob, claim it is absolute nonsense for 13-year-old Michael to receive the penalty points after pleading guilty at Teesside Youth Court to driving a mechanical vehicle without a licence or insurance.

The endorsements, which last four years, should expire by the time Michael is able to apply for a provisional driving licence when he is 17, according to the DVLA.

The scooter, which the family has since sold, was powered by a battery, charged from an electrical socket before being attached to the machine.

Mrs Fishpool, of New Marske, said: "By the time it comes to him having to apply for a licence the points will have expired but it is absolute nonsense.

"If it had been my 15-year-old son Adam who had been riding the bike it would have caused problems for him in two years time."

She said Michael was riding the scooter along a path on Gleneagles Road in New Marske in June when he was stopped by police officers.

The family thought only a warning had been issued until the summons' landed on the doormat more than six weeks later.

She said: "We couldn't believe it - we were all shocked. Appearing in court is not easy for a 13-year-old boy."

The scooters, which can be bought in toy shops across the region, could be the top of many youngsters' Christmas list.

She added: "With Christmas approaching, parents might be thinking of buying one of these scooters for their children. If they do I hope they don't have the same problems that we did.

"We were completely unaware that insurance was needed."

Sgt Joe Jessop, of the road policing unit, said: "Parents need to be aware that these bikes and scooters, when used on public roads or paths, require a driving licence, insurance and appropriate MOT and tax.