DUBAI — The recent decision to ban e-scooters and e-bikes from the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) community has ignited a broader debate across Dubai about the safety of battery-powered mobility devices.
The move, aimed at curbing accidents and enhancing pedestrian safety, has drawn attention from residents in neighboring areas who are calling for similar restrictions due to increasing safety concerns.
The Dubai Community Management confirmed the ban, which is now enforced with prominent notices in both Arabic and English featuring crossed-out icons of e-bikes and e-scooters.
The community’s decision reflects a growing concern about the reckless use of these devices, which has reportedly led to numerous accidents and hazardous conditions for both pedestrians and riders.
Asiya Khasnutdinova, an American expat living in Dubai Marina, is among those advocating for restrictions similar to those imposed at JBR.
Having resided in the area for four years, Khasnutdinova expressed her frustration with the transformation of her once pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.
“I used to run and walk every single day. But now, it’s impossible — reckless e-scooter riders are everywhere, and they are flying at speeds that could match my driving in Sheikh Zayed Road,” she told Khaleej Times.
Khasnutdinova emphasized that the proliferation of electric scooters on the Dubai Marina promenade has made the area perilous for both pedestrians and riders.
“It’s super dangerous for everyone — pedestrians and the people on scooters themselves because they aren’t able to halt immediately in case anything comes their way,” she added.
She believes the promenade should be reserved for pedestrians, rollerbladers, and standard bicycles.
The concern is not unique to Dubai Marina. Residents across Dubai are voicing similar grievances about the reckless behavior of e-scooter riders.
Hamza Badar, a 25-year-old former resident of Manama, Deira, and now Sharjah, recounted a recent incident that underscores the need for stricter regulations.
“I was standing outside my shop, and I saw a person on an e-scooter coming from the wrong direction of the road. When a taxi came in front of him, he panicked, hit the brakes hard, and fell off, hitting his head. The guy was bleeding heavily, and we had to call an ambulance,” Badar recounted.
He added that the injured rider, who was not wearing safety gear, refused hospital treatment due to fear of repercussions from authorities.
Badar’s account highlights a broader issue in areas like Naif and Al Murar in Deira, where Dubai Police frequently check and impound e-scooters and bicycles from riders violating traffic rules. “These riders, sometimes transporting goods, can reach speeds of up to 65 km/h, posing a serious risk to themselves and others,” Badar said.
The Dubai Police have implemented various fines related to e-scooter and bicycle use. Riding a bike or e-scooter in a manner that endangers oneself or others results in a Dh300 penalty.
Carrying a passenger on an e-scooter is also subject to a Dh300 fine, while transporting a passenger on an e-bike or bicycle not equipped for such use incurs a Dh200 fine. Riding against the flow of traffic carries a Dh200 penalty.
Despite these regulations, four fatalities and 25 injuries related to e-scooter and bicycle accidents were reported in the first half of the year, according to Dubai Police.
Sebastian Rey, a former resident of Palm Jumeirah who now lives in Abu Dhabi, shares similar concerns. Rey observed, “The main issue is that I don’t see the e-scooter riders being responsible, either towards pedestrians, cars, or motorcycles.
They use the walkways, and when there’s a red light, they don’t stop and just go onto the street. The speed on the walkways is also high, and I’ve had close calls, even though I haven’t had any accidents.”
Rey proposed that the city should regulate e-scooter use more stringently, suggesting limits on their speed on walkways and allowing them to cross streets only when pedestrians are present.
His suggestions reflect a growing consensus among residents that more comprehensive regulations are necessary to balance the benefits of e-scooters with public safety concerns.
Ahmed Hussain, an Egyptian expat new to Business Bay, echoed the call for stricter controls.
Having lived in various Dubai neighborhoods, Hussain has observed dangerous behaviors, including riders traveling in the wrong direction on main roads.
“It was a problem, not only on the sidewalks but also on the main roads, and sometimes in the opposite direction, where I could hit them by mistake with my car. I saw someone yesterday on Hessa Road, opposite JVC, driving an e-scooter in the opposite direction in the middle of the road,” Hussain said.
Despite their environmental benefits, the irresponsible use of e-scooters has led to increasing frustration among residents and calls for more rigorous enforcement.
The Dubai Community Management’s decision to ban e-scooters and e-bikes from JBR may be a sign of broader regulatory changes to come.
As e-scooters continue to gain popularity as a mode of transport, the challenge for Dubai will be finding a balance that ensures both safety and accessibility.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members