Dubai's JBR restricts e-scooter and e-bike use

Dubai Community Management says decision aimed to ensure residents' safety

Five people have been killed in Dubai this year while riding e-scooters and e-bikes, police have said. Antonie Robertson / The National

People in Jumeirah Beach Residence will not be allowed to use e-scooters or e-bikes in some parts of the community for safety reasons.

Dubai Community Management told The National that “the use of e-scooters on the ground and plaza levels of The Walk” has been “restricted”.

The decision was made to keep the community safe, it added.

“This measure aims to ensure the safety of residents and visitors, prevent accidents and maintain the pedestrian-friendly appeal of the area.”

Notices have been posted across the neighbourhood, providing details of the restrictions in English and Arabic.

In March, Dubai's Road and Transport Authority announced that e-scooters would be banned on Dubai Metro and trams due to fire risks.

Dubai Police also warned residents of the dangers of irresponsible use of e-scooters and e-bikes, and last month officers confiscated 640 of the vehicles in two weeks.

The force said five riders had been killed and 29 injured in accidents involving either e-scooters or e-bikes between January and the end of July.

UAE road safety experts said better education and tighter regulations were needed to help curb reckless electric scooter riders who put lives at risk by flouting traffic rules.

From riding at speeds above the permitted 60 kph on e-scooters, to riding on busy major roads and failing to wear protective equipment, police have recorded an increase in the number of breaches.

Safety campaigner calls for 'shared infrastructure'

Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of Road Safety UAE, highlighted the importance of riders abiding by rules.

He said the use of lightweight vehicles such as scooters was key in cities like Dubai where the weather isn’t always conducive for walkers.

“It’s not easy to walk too much due to the hot weather, so e-scooters become vital for commuters.

“However, riders are not using it in the right way. There are laws in place and dedicated tracks but riders refuse to follow the rules.

“I often spot riders who don’t wear protective gear while out on the road.”

Mr Edelmann said more needs to be done to make e-scooters safer in the UAE.

“It must be a multi-task approach – with public and private stakeholders stepping up to increase awareness and local bodies developing the existing infrastructure for e-scooter riders.”

While the UAE is investing to expand bicycle tracks, a “shared infrastructure” approach seen in European cities, where a pedestrian walkway is divided into two parts – with one dedicated to bikers or riders, will provide a quicker solution, he added.

“This way, we can use the existing infrastructure for e-scooter riders as well.”

Educating riders about safety is also key, Mr Edelmann added.

“I spot so many young riders, especially near schools, riding recklessly. Schools and parents must step up and play their part in educating them about the safety aspects and the law.”

He added that public and private stakeholders are also responsible for carrying out regular safety campaigns so riders understand the gravity of the situation.