Dubai riders blame reckless few for e-scooter ban
Bimbo Calitis, a 47-year-old resident of Dubai, has been using his electric scooter regularly for over four years to commute between his home and workplace in Jumeirah. He always puts on a safety helmet, stays within designated areas while driving, and never exceeds the speed limit. He has never experienced any accidents.
His family and close friends also find it convenient, practical, and safe to use their e-scooters to travel between home and work. They adhere to all traffic safety rules.
However, they acknowledge that there are some riders who have been involved in multiple accidents, putting both themselves and other road users at risk. Calitis and fellow responsible riders are upset that they are facing the consequences of the reckless actions of a few riders, as some communities are now pushing for a total ban on battery-operated mobility devices.
Calitis pointed out that banning e-scooters is not a good idea, as they have been shown to be effective in providing transportation for short distances, and many residents have benefited from using them. He also mentioned that he has been able to save over Dh500 per month by using his reliable e-scooter instead of taking a taxi in the Jumeirah area. I also believe that e-scooters are better for the environment.
Demand for prohibition of e-scooters is increasing
This week, additional locals have expressed worries about the irresponsible use of e-scooters in their neighborhoods, pointing out that certain riders are not only a threat to pedestrians but also to themselves.
This was done after Dubai Community Management recently decided to ban all forms of e-scooters in the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) community in order to improve the safety of residents and visitors. The property developer stated that the measure was put in place to prevent accidents and preserve the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere of the area.
The fear among residents regarding e-scooters is justified. Only a month ago, Dubai Police confiscated 640 bicycles and e-scooters due to their riders breaking rules like speeding, riding in unauthorized zones, and failing to wear protective gear and a helmet.
During June, Dubai Police announced that four individuals died in distinct incidents with e-scooters and bicycles in the initial months of 2024. The police have also documented 25 injuries from January to June of this year.
Officials are dedicated to apprehending offenders. In the first half of 2024, over 7,800 traffic offenses were documented and a combined 4,474 e-scooters and bicycles were impounded. On a daily basis in Dubai, authorities recorded approximately 43 traffic violations and confiscated 24 e-scooters or bicycles on average.
'The issue is reckless riders'
"The careless drivers were responsible for the enforcement action against e-scooters." Calitis emphasized that the responsibility lies solely with them, not the e-scooters.
He continued by stating that electric scooters offer a way to appreciate a green form of transportation. However, there are individuals who do not possess the self-control needed to utilize them correctly. The main issue we must address is not to push for a ban on e-scooters.
Dr Mostafa Al Dah, the creator of MA-Traffic Consulting, is in favor of the request made by Calitis and other conscientious e-scooter users. He argued that the answer is not to prohibit e-scooters, but to impose more rigorous rules that involve the police, community developers, and residents.
Imposing a ban will negatively impact the overall e-scooter riding community. Mostafa, a traffic safety researcher from the UAE and former head of the traffic studies section at Dubai Police, suggested that we could present a more compelling argument in favor of regulation.
Mostafa mentioned that e-scooters can have an 'e-license' for registration, with points deducted for safety violations reported by others or caught on camera. Additionally, technology can monitor riders' habits in real-time. We can highly urge them to prioritize safety and follow regulations.
'We require electronic scooters'
Al Dah emphasized that e-scooters are necessary as practical transportation options for short distances at the beginning and end of a journey. He stated that e-scooters can be utilized as a solution in big campuses that need shuttle service for students and visitors to travel. We also have the option of providing bicycles instead of e-scooters.
Al Dah suggested that reducing the speed limit in specific areas could also be an effective way to address reckless behavior. Furthermore, he advised the public to promptly notify authorities of any risky actions performed by cyclists on the roads.
Comments