E-Scooter Riders Face Penalties in Dubai

Dangerous Stunts and Community Responsibility: Dubai Police Punish E-scooter Riders at Kite Beach

The pleasant winter weather annually attracts crowds to Dubai’s iconic beach spots, including Kite Beach. Families, runners, cyclists, and increasingly, e-scooter riders, are among the visitors at the seaside stretch. However, not all use these devices as intended: On December 27, 2025, the Dubai Police announced that they had penalized 90 people who performed dangerous stunts on sports grounds, endangering others' safety.

Consequences of the Violation

During the enforcement actions, the police not only issued warnings but also confiscated the e-scooters involved. The authorities made it clear: they enforce zero tolerance against anyone who deliberately violates traffic rules or endangers the safety of public recreational areas. Kite Beach, as a prominent leisure zone, is a crucial part of the community life, hence any disruptive behavior receives heightened attention.

The video released by the police highlights the serious issue posed by irresponsible e-scooter usage, especially when vehicles are used for extreme stunts or speed races on promenades and sports grounds.

The Dark Side of Micromobility

E-scooters and e-bikes undoubtedly offer a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative for urban transportation, especially in Dubai, where modern infrastructure supports these devices. However, their rising popularity has also exposed another side: a dramatic increase in traffic violations and accidents.

In the first five months of 2025, there were 13 fatalities in Dubai linked to e-scooter misuse and improper pedestrian crossings. In 2024, there were 254 accidents involving e-scooters and bicycles, causing 10 deaths and resulting in 259 injuries.

The statistics speak for themselves, and both city policymakers and residents are increasingly contemplating the future of micromobility in Dubai.

Housing Bans and Community Reactions

The behavior of users who regularly disregard traffic rules is prompting more communities to take action. Residential areas like Victory Heights or Jumeirah Beach Residences have entirely banned the use of e-scooters on their properties. The reason is straightforward: residents do not feel safe due to the devices' reckless and often dangerous usage.

However, this also sparks a serious social debate: while some support a complete ban, others argue that such measures disproportionately affect those who use these devices responsibly—particularly those who rely on them daily for commuting to work or school.

The Dangers of E-scooters and Children

The issue of e-scooter use does not stop with adults. The colder weather and school breaks encourage many children to dust off their scooters and bikes. Yet authorities and traffic safety experts have issued stern warnings: children navigating roads or moving among vehicles can lead to severe accidents.

Ajman's police, for instance, issued a specific warning to parents, emphasizing that scootering or biking in non-designated areas can be life-threatening for children and pose a danger to others as well.

Parental Responsibility

Traffic safety experts unanimously agree that parental responsibility does not end with purchasing a scooter or bicycle for their child. It’s essential to consider whether the child can travel alone, understands traffic rules, and possesses the maturity to make correct decisions in dangerous situations.

The urban environment, particularly Dubai’s busy road networks, isn’t necessarily child-friendly even if the weather favors outdoor activities. To prevent mishaps, parents should allow children to scooter only on designated tracks, with adequate protective gear, and preferably under adult supervision.

What Could be the Solution?

The future of transportation in cities everywhere is steering towards sustainability and efficiency, including in Dubai. E-scooters and other micromobility devices can be part of this, but only if the culture of their use develops as well.

Authorities are already mobilizing significant resources for checks and stricter regulations. However, this alone isn’t sufficient. There is a need for a mindset shift: education, awareness-raising, and turning compliance with traffic rules into a societal expectation.

The case of the 90 e-scooter riders isn’t just a police report, but a serious symptom: a lack of discipline in traffic, neglect of rules, and disregard for others ultimately deteriorate urban life quality. However, if all participants—the authorities, residents, parents, and users—act responsibly, e-scooters can indeed become a safe and integral part of modern urban transportation.

(Based on Dubai Police's announcement.)