The NSW Supreme Court last week upheld a Nyngan Local Court conviction against a rider for using the scooter.

The courts found the scooter, which has a secondary means of propulsion – foot pedals, was an unregistered motorcycle.

Port Macquarie police will warn people seen riding the electric scooters on roads and footpaths the first time they are caught. On subsequent occasions, they will issue infringement notices. Fines start at $477 for using an unregistered vehicle.

Riders also will be stung with fines starting at $397 if they don’t have a motorcycle licence.

Port Macquarie police say the scooters can’t be registered in their present form.

Mid-North Coast traffic supervisor Sergeant John Carrero advises people with electric scooters to consider alternative transport.

“People who have them have a problem,” Sgt Carrero said.

“Because of their weight and design they are not a push bike.”

Koala T Care owner Nik Sandeman Allen says electric scooters are a low-cost, non-fossil fuel alternative at a time when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is promoting hybrid cars.

He said: “What are the people supposed to do who purchased these vehicles in good faith, based on the then available RTA information?”

Koala T Care sells electric scooters and motorised bicycles.

The cost-effective electric scooters have gained popularity in recent years given the spiralling cost of petrol and the scooters’ new technology components.

But after receiving advice from its legal branch, police are cracking down on electric scooter riders.

The scooters can still legally be used on private property.