The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, issued an urgent decision to ban the use of e-scooters, in implementation of safety measures that came into effect starting this week.
Ban the use of e-scooters in metro stations
The Authority has decided to legally prohibit the usage of e-scooters at Dubai Metro and Tram stations.
However, there has been no word from the authorities about imposing financial penalties on anyone who disobey the new judgment.
The authority also restricts the use of complete bicycles, even though RTA guidelines state that "it is permitted to drag a bicycle on pedestrian bridges and carry foldable bicycles on the metro."
When do cyclists violate?
The prohibition comes only a day after plans were announced to create a robot system that can identify when bikers and other "soft mobility" users violate the restrictions.
The deal between the Roads and Transport Authority and Terminus Group, a provider of sophisticated robotics and technological systems, was revealed at the Middle East Transport and Convention Exhibition, and trials will start this month.
The initial round of testing operations will take place at Jumeirah Beach 3.
According to the Roads and Transport Authority, "The smart robot will monitor the use of soft means of transportation, such as bicycles and electric scooters, by detecting, sharing and analyzing violations in cooperation with Dubai Police."
Safety of e-scooter riders
Following a spate of deaths in the first eight months of 2023, recommendations for enhanced e-scooter safety were issued in October of last year.
Road safety experts in the UAE believe that improved education and stricter restrictions are needed to help crack down on irresponsible electric bike riders who endanger their lives by breaking traffic laws.
Dubai Police have also warned against the hazards of reckless usage of e-scooters and bikes in the emirate, as their popularity grows.
