Five killed in e-bike and e-scooter accidents in Dubai in first eight months of the year

Dubai Police traffic chief emphasises dangers of flouting safety rules while using the vehicles

E-scooter trials were first introduced in five areas of Dubai in October 2020. Antonie Robertson / The National

In early 2022, a Federal Traffic Council committee said it would look into e-scooter misuse and accidents. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Those without a full driving licence must apply for a free e-scooter permit and pass an online test. Photo: Dubai Media Office

As many as 2,000 e-scooters will be available in specific Dubai neighbourhoods. Antonie Robertson / The National

Dedicated bicycle and e-scooter paths have been built across Dubai. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Five riders were killed and 29 injured in accidents involving electric scooters and e-bikes in Dubai in the first eight months of the year, prompting a renewed safety warning from police.

Police issued more than 10,000 fines to people flouting safety rules during the same period, official figures released on Tuesday have shown.

Maj Gen Saif Al Mazroui, director of Dubai Police's traffic department, said the statistics emphasised the need to tackle reckless riders.

He called on the public to adhere to safety regulations when using the electric vehicles. Rules include using specific paths, adhering to speed limits and wearing helmets.

"We urge riders to adhere to road safety guidelines to avoid accidents," Maj Gen Al Mazroui said.

“Cyclists should respect traffic laws and stick to designated paths. They should wear reflective vests and helmets, as well as adhering to traffic lights and road signs.

"It is important the bike has functioning brakes and lights."

Dubai Police are focused on reducing the number of breaches "and apprehending reckless drivers to ensure road safety and minimise fatalities", he said.

Police said Dh300 ($81) fines could be imposed for those who use e-scooters and e-bikes dangerously.

Repeat offenders can have their e-scooter or e-bike confiscated for up to 30 days.

Dubai Police seized 8,786 bicycles and electric bikes in the first six months of the year, under rules introduced in March last year to improve safety.

E-scooter rules

The regulations state that anyone riding an e-scooter or e-bike must have a driving licence issued by the Roads and Transport Authority. People under the age of 16 are not permitted to operate an e-bike or e-scooter.

Bikes cannot be used on roads where the speed limit is 60kph or more.

Cyclists should not ride on jogging or walking tracks and reckless acts, including hooking to a vehicle while cycling, are prohibited.

Carrying passengers on bicycles and e-bikes is not permitted unless the bikes have seats for them.

The resolution states that cyclists under 12 should be accompanied by a cyclist who is 18 or older.

In March, Dubai Police carried out an awareness campaign to emphasise breaches of e-scooter and bicycle rules, including failing to wear helmets and travelling against the flow of traffic.

The UAE has encouraged the public to use alternative modes of transport to help reduce traffic and cut emissions as part of the country's efforts to achieve net zero.

Dubai has been at the forefront of efforts to promote the safe use of e-scooters.

In October 2022, transport authorities announced plans to double the length of e-scooter and cycle tracks to almost 400km, as well as reducing speed limits to 30kph on some roads to improve rider safety.

Eleven new routes were to be opened for e-scooters and bicycles this year under the plans.