Ajman Police have announced a complete ban on the use of electric scooters on public streets, citing the urgent need to protect road users from increasing safety hazards.
The decision, revealed this week, applies to all types of e-scooters and follows repeated warnings issued over recent months.
Just last month, the authority had released an advisory urging riders of e-scooters and two-wheelers to comply with traffic laws, warning against the use of unlicensed or unauthorised electric bicycles and scooters.
The advisory was accompanied by a video highlighting common violations, including riding without safety gear, travelling against traffic on one-way streets, entering roads from exits, and misusing pedestrian crossings.
Ajman’s decision is part of a wider push across the UAE to address safety concerns surrounding two-wheelers. Authorities in other emirates have frequently issued safety advisories to remind riders about the rules and risks involved.
A recent video released by Abu Dhabi Police showed three men in kanduras riding e-scooters in unsuitable areas, sparking widespread debate among residents about the need for stricter regulation and better enforcement. Officials stressed that e-scooters should only be used in designated safe zones to prevent accidents and injuries.
Some residents have expressed their frustration over reckless riding. Um Saeed, a long-time resident of Jumeirah in Dubai, recalled a near miss while walking to the grocery store. “The rider came out of nowhere from between two parked cars,” she said. “I barely had time to move.”
In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police have formed a special unit dedicated to monitoring cyclists and e-scooter riders. The collaboration aims to ensure that riders adhere to designated routes, wear proper safety equipment, and follow road rules.
Ajman’s ban marks a significant shift from merely advising caution to actively prohibiting the use of certain vehicles in public areas. While some may view the measure as restrictive, police officials argue it is necessary to prevent collisions and safeguard both riders and pedestrians.
Authorities have also urged the public to report any violations they witness. The police emphasised that road safety is a shared responsibility and that adherence to regulations is crucial in reducing accidents.
With the ban now in effect, residents and visitors in Ajman will need to seek alternative transport options or restrict e-scooter use to permitted areas.
The move underscores a growing consensus among UAE authorities: without stricter rules and consistent enforcement, the risks posed by unregulated e-scooter use far outweigh the convenience they offer.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members