Is Banning E-Scooters Hurting Urban Mobility?
The solution lies in implementing stricter regulations involving the police, community developers, and residents, several scooter riders say.
A 47-year-old Dubai resident has been using his e-scooter daily for over four years to commute between his home and workplace in Jumeirah. He claims to always wear a safety helmet, never ride outside designated areas, and never exceed speed limits. He highlighted that he has never been involved in an accident.
His family and close friends also consider the e-scooter practical, convenient, and safe for commuting. They follow all traffic rules.
However, they are aware that some scooter riders have caused multiple accidents, endangering not only themselves but other commuters as well. Responsible riders regret that "due to a few reckless riders," they suffer the consequences, as some communities advocate for a full ban on battery-operated transport devices.
"The ban has an opposite effect; e-scooters have proven to be an efficient solution. Honestly, I save over 500 dirhams a month by using my reliable e-scooter instead of taxis around Jumeirah. I also find e-scooters to be more environmentally friendly."
The ban wave intensifies
This week, several residents voiced concerns over the reckless use of e-scooters in their communities, highlighting that some riders endanger not only pedestrians but themselves as well.
This follows the decision by Dubai's community development authority to ban all types of e-scooters in the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) community to enhance the safety of residents and visitors. The aim was to prevent accidents and maintain the area's pedestrian-friendly nature, the property developer noted.
Residents' concerns about e-scooters are not unfounded. Last month alone, Dubai police confiscated 640 bicycles and e-scooters after their operators violated various regulations, such as speeding, riding outside designated areas, and lacking safety gear and helmets.
In June, Dubai police reported that four people died in the first half of the year in various accidents involving e-scooters and bicycles. Between January and June, they recorded 25 injuries.
Authorities are serious about cracking down on violators. In the first six months, more than 7,800 traffic offenses were recorded, and a total of 4,474 e-scooters and bicycles were confiscated. This means an average of about 43 traffic violations recorded daily, and 24 e-scooters or bicycles confiscated by Dubai authorities.
Reckless scooter riders are the problem
"Reckless scooter riders caused the crackdown on e-scooters. They are the source of the problem – and only they should be held accountable – not the e-scooters."
"E-scooters offer a way to commute in an environmentally friendly manner. But some people lack the discipline to use them properly. This is the main issue which should be addressed, not banning e-scooters."
We need e-scooters
E-scooters are necessary on large campuses, for example, where bus services are needed to transport students and visitors; e-scooters can provide a solution. Alternatively, bicycles can replace e-scooters.
Reducing the speed limit in certain areas is also considered a viable solution for curbing reckless behavior. Additionally, people are urged to immediately report dangerous behavior from scooter riders to authorities.
