A MOTHER is warning parents to be careful after her son was given six penalty points on his driving licence for riding a battery-powered scooter.

The North-East youngster does not even have a licence that can be endorsed.

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

Mrs Fishpool and her husband, Rob, said it was nonsense for 13-year-old Michael to receive the penalty points after he pleaded guilty at Teesside Youth Court to driving a mechanical vehicle without licence or insurance.

The endorsements, which last four years, should expire by the time Michael applies 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.

Mrs Fishpool, of New Marske, east Cleveland, 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 in Gleneagles Road, in New Marske, in June when he was stopped by police.

The family thought only a warning had been issued until the summons' was sent more than six weeks later.

Mrs Fishpool said: "We could not believe it, we were all shocked. Appearing in court is not easy for a 13-year-old boy."

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

Mrs Fishpool said: "With Christmas approaching, parents might be thinking of buying one of these scooters for their children. If they do, I hope they do not have the same problems that we did.

"We were completely unaware that insurance was needed."

A police spokesman 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."