ABU DHABI // Teenagers and children can increasingly be seen travelling without moving in the UAE, with the aid of electronic self-balancing boards.
The growing popularity of the “hoverboard”, a two-wheeled, battery-powered vehicle controlled by the rider shifting his or her bodyweight, has drawn the attention of Abu Dhabi Police, who warned parents and families of the potential dangers of children using the devices.
Col Jamal Al Ameri, head of communications for the Abu Dhabi Police traffic directorate, said the use of the self-balancing scooters on streets is strictly prohibited and should be used by children in safe areas such as parks and play areas.
But most public areas, including parks and shopping malls, as well as schools have banned the use of the boards, citing the potential hazards they present.
Wayne Howsen, the head teacher of Al Muna Primary School in Abu Dhabi, said the boards were “hugely popular” among pupils and that a number of children had brought them to school, including one group who asked if they could use them to perform yola dancing for National Day.
Although he had not received any directives from Aldar Academies, which operates the school, or the Abu Dhabi Education Council, Mr Howsen said he had decided not to allow the boards on safety grounds.
“The children do seemed skilled in their use, but it would only take a second for there to be a dreadful accident,” he said.
Clive Pierrepont, director of communications of Taaleem, the UAE’s second largest private school operator, said that despite the operator not having a specific policy for the scooters, they would fall under the same category as skateboards, rollerblades or heelys, all of which are not allowed on campuses.
“Although they are popular and seem to be the must-have thing of the moment, there have been no incidents up to this point,” he said.
The two-wheeled device are also being turned away from the gates of Abu Dhabi’s Mushrif Central Park for safety reasons.
“These can become very dangerous in the peak season where our visitor numbers are particularly high and our promenade, and pathways become very busy with walking children and toddlers,” said a park official.
Despite toy stores demonstrating the boards outside their stores and allowing customers to try the devices for themselves without the protective gear, Yas and Marina Mall employees have said the boards are not permitted, as they would be liable for any accidents.
Michelle Guerin said they only way her children would get one is if they bought one themselves – and with the price ranging from Dh2,800 to Dh7,000, the Dubai mother-of-three said this was unlikely to happen.
“Not only are they a hazard, they are static, and I would much rather get my kids on a bike to get some exercise and see the outdoors,” said Ms Guerin.
In Britain, the boards are illegal to ride in public, including on pavements, according to the Crown Prosecution Service. They can only be used on private property with the permission of the property owner.
Earlier this year the devices received widespread attention when a pilgrim was filmed using one to perform circumambulation around the Kaaba, prompting debate on whether it was permissible in Islam.
tsubaihi@thenational.ae
