In a recent social media video, Dubai Police have highlighted the importance of adhering to safety protocols for e-scooter riders.
This announcement follows a campaign that has seen the impounding of 640 bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters since the beginning of the month, as part of a broader initiative to promote road safety and enforce traffic regulations.
Dubai has been a leader in advocating for environmental sustainability, encouraging the use of eco-friendly transportation options like electric scooters. While these scooters are effective for navigating through traffic congestion, their rising popularity has also brought about significant safety concerns.
To address these issues, Dubai Police have set out several essential guidelines for e-scooter riders:
- Always wear a helmet and reflective vest to ensure visibility and protection.
- Stick to designated scooter lanes to avoid interfering with other vehicles and pedestrians.
- Do not carry passengers to maintain balance and control of the scooter.
- Avoid using headphones while riding to stay fully aware of your surroundings.
Dubai Police urge all e-scooter riders to follow these guidelines rigorously to prevent accidents and enhance overall road safety.
Common Causes of Accidents
The video also delves into the common causes of scooter-related accidents, emphasizing factors such as ignoring traffic laws, riding on roads with speed limits exceeding 60km/h, not wearing safety gear, and neglecting regular maintenance. Earlier reports from Dubai Police revealed that riding on roads with speed limits over 60km/h is one of the most frequent violations committed by bicycle, e-bike, and e-scooter riders. Other common issues include traveling against traffic flow, failing to dismount while crossing pedestrian areas, and the absence of necessary technical specifications on bicycles.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Riders who violate traffic laws or safety guidelines will face strict penalties. These include:
- A Dh300 fine for riding an e-bike or bicycle on roads with speed limits over 60 km/h, endangering oneself or others, and carrying a passenger on an e-scooter.
- A Dh200 fine for transporting a passenger on an inadequately equipped e-bike or bicycle, or riding against the flow of traffic.
Residents can report unsafe behaviors or incidents through the ‘Police Eye’ service on the Dubai Police app or by calling ‘We Are All Police’ at 901.
This campaign underscores the critical importance of cyclists and e-scooter riders complying with applicable laws, guidelines, and instructions to ensure the safety of all road users.
