THE firm running the trial of e-scooters in Colchester are investigating after a member of the public advertised one of its vehicles for sale on social media.

A post on Facebook marketplace appeared advertising the e-scooter for sale for £40.

The logo of Spin, the company running the Department for Transport trial in Colchester and other parts of Essex, can be seen clearly on the scooter.

The advert, seen by the Gazette, states the vehicle “don’t work” but describes it as being in “mint condition”.

Spin’s e-scooters do not operate without the rider first taking a training course, after which they can use an app to rent the vehicle at a cost.

A spokesman for Spin said the firm had been notified of the advert by vigilant members of the public.

“We have been made aware by several members of the public of a Facebook ad displaying a photo of one of our Spin e-scooters in public space and saying it’s for sale,” he said.

“Our e-scooters operate only as part of the Department of Transport’s trial hire scheme that Spin operates in four locations in Essex and in Milton Keynes. They are not for sale.

“In cases like this we’ll work closely with the police.”

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Spin launched its trial in Colchester at the end of February.

Its e-scooters are designed with orange branding so they are easily recognisable from privately owned scooters.

This is because only Spin scooters hired as part of the trial are legal on Essex roads with private scooters illegal, except on private land.

The scooters can operate at a maximum speed of 15.5mph.

Earlier this month one of the Spin scooters was found dumped in Clacton days after the trial launched in the town.

The firm has warned the public not to abuse the scooters and said those caught abandoning them will be banned.