Dubai Parents' Dilemma: Teens and E-Scooters

Teenagers, E-Scooters, and Responsibility: Risks Faced by Dubai Parents

The rapid rise of electric scooters and bikes on the streets of Dubai not only transforms commuting habits but also raises significant societal questions. The latest incident—where a 13-year-old girl was seriously injured while scootering, leading to her parents being taken to court for negligence—highlights that these vehicles are not mere toys, and improper use can lead to tragic consequences.

More Kids, More Accidents

Electric scooters and bikes are increasingly popular among young people. Many teenagers want their own vehicle as they enter their teens, simply because "everyone else has one too." However, this trend carries alarming consequences: In 2024, 254 scooter and bike accidents were recorded in Dubai, resulting in 10 fatalities and 259 injuries, 17 of them severe. Early in 2025, in February, two fatal accidents occurred within three days, both victims being minors.

The Rules Are Clear—But Often Ignored

Dubai's transport authorities have established clear rules for e-scooters and e-bikes:

Only individuals aged 16 and above can use them.

They must be operated only in designated lanes.

Carrying passengers or items that affect balance is prohibited.

Helmets and protective gear are mandatory.

Traveling against traffic is forbidden.

Despite this, hundreds of vehicles are confiscated each month due to violations. In April 2025, authorities also created a special “personal mobility monitoring unit” to map and curb infractions.

Parental Responsibility Is More Than a Moral Question

The aforementioned case, where parents are being sued for negligence and endangerment of a child's life, sends a clear message: the laws extend not just to young people but also to their parents. Some residents share this concern, reporting seeing 11–13-year-olds scootering on busy roads without protective gear, sometimes with two or three riding on one vehicle. This endangers not only their own lives but also that of others.

Community Responsibility

Addressing the problem is not merely a regulatory issue. Residents increasingly call for more parental supervision and community involvement. Some suggest that authorities intensify checks in residential areas and restrict the use of such vehicles by children. Meanwhile, the most important factor remains conscious parental decision-making: not every request must be granted—especially when a future accident or lawsuit could be the cost.

Conclusion

Dubai's traffic safety measures provide clear guidance: protecting children is a shared responsibility. The city’s infrastructure, regulatory system, and legal framework are in place, but they are meaningless if parents ignore the risks. A scooter might be considered a gift—but not in every context. Decisions have consequences, and if they lead to court, it affects not just the child but the entire family's future.

(Source of the article: Statement by Authorities in Dubai.)