Anger at ‘irresponsible’ Christmas sales of e-scooters banned on UK roads

Big-name retailers are marketing the popular mode of transport, despite use of privately owned models being banned in public places

On a wide road dotted with autumn leaves, a picture of a beaming woman rider promoted a 299 e-scooter on Amazon last week, which was described as your best commuting or outdoor travel companion".

It is one of several models of popular e-scooters that are marketed in the run-up to Christmas by the online giant and other big retailers, including Halfords, Argos and Currys. There is just one snag: it is illegal to ride privately owned e-scooters on public roads in the UK.