Dubai, UAE – Traders in Dubai’s Naif area are calling for clear guidelines on the use of bicycles and e-scooters after authorities intensified efforts to regulate their use, seizing hundreds of vehicles daily.
The crackdown, which has affected businesses relying on these modes of transport for short-distance operations, has sparked confusion and frustration among local shop owners.
In September 2023, Dubai Police reported the confiscation of nearly 3,800 e-scooters and bicycles in the Naif area, a bustling commercial hub known for its hardware, electronics, and building material shops.
Violations included riding in non-designated areas such as roads and pedestrian lanes, where the vehicles posed a “significant danger” and created confusion for road users. A senior police officer stated that these incidents were contributing to accidents and disruptions across the city.
The first half of 2024 has seen four fatalities and 25 injuries in accidents involving e-scooters and bicycles across Dubai, further highlighting the safety risks associated with their improper use.
The surge in violations prompted local authorities to ramp up enforcement, with officials emphasizing the need to regulate the use of such vehicles to prevent further incidents.
For businesses in Naif, the crackdown has proven disruptive. Many traders rely on bicycles for essential tasks such as delivering invoices, collecting goods, and making bank runs, especially in an area with congested streets where cars are impractical for short-distance errands.
Saifuddin Khomosi, a hardware store owner, voiced his concerns, stating, “If there’s a ban, authorities should officially announce it. Right now, we’re left guessing. Bicycles are essential to our business.”
Other business owners echoed his sentiments, stating that the lack of clarity on the rules has made it difficult for them to operate smoothly.
Murtaza, a local shop owner, described the panic that ensues when Emirates Auction teams arrive to seize bicycles.
“Shop staff abandon their tasks to hide their bicycles, and businesses come to a standstill,” he explained. Traders have also claimed that even bicycles locked inside buildings have been seized, exacerbating the situation.
Hatim Al Anwar, who has been running a hardware store on Nakheel Road for over two decades, emphasized the critical role bicycles play in their operations. “We have no choice but to buy new ones because we can’t operate without them. Bicycles are the lifeline of our business,” he said.
While business owners are not opposed to regulations, they are seeking more transparency and guidance from the authorities. “If bicycles are banned, make it official or tell us how to comply if they are allowed,” Khomosi added.
Authorities have previously outlined the rules that e-scooter and bicycle riders must follow. These regulations include using designated lanes set by the licensing authority, avoiding jogging or walking lanes, not carrying passengers or goods that affect balance, and dismounting at pedestrian crossings.
Riders are also required to wear safety gear. Violations, such as riding on public roads or engaging in reckless behavior, can result in fines of up to Dh300.
Emirates Auction, which is responsible for carrying out the confiscations, declined to disclose the number of bicycles seized daily, citing confidentiality. The company stated that all confiscations are carried out based on instructions from the relevant UAE authorities.
With businesses left in limbo, traders are hopeful that clearer regulations will be introduced to ensure the safe and regulated use of bicycles and e-scooters in Dubai’s busy commercial districts.