Road Safety Concerns Emerge Amid E-Scooter Accidents in Dubai
Calls for Stricter Regulations and Improved Infrastructure Following Recent Fatalities Involving Minors.
Road safety experts in Dubai are advocating for more stringent regulations regarding the use of e-scooters, amid rising concerns about their safety on city roads.
The call for action follows two tragic incidents in February that claimed the lives of minors.
On February 25, a 15-year-old Indian student, a promising badminton athlete, died from injuries sustained in an e-scooter accident in Al Nahda, near Zulekha Hospital.
Just two days later, a nine-year-old Arab boy was involved in a fatal collision with a vehicle while riding an electric scooter.
Under current laws in Dubai, e-scooters are permitted only for individuals aged 16 and older, necessitating a permit from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) after completing an online awareness training course.
In contrast, Sharjah allows riders aged 14 and above to operate e-scooters on the roads.
Last year, Dubai recorded 254 accidents involving bicycles and e-scooters, resulting in 10 fatalities and a total of 259 injuries.
These injuries included 17 severe cases, alongside 133 moderate and 109 minor injuries.
The Ministry of Interior has reported a concerning increase in road accidents throughout the UAE.
In 2024, a total of 384 road deaths were noted, marking a rise of 32, or 9%, from the 352 fatalities recorded in 2023. This figure also represents a 12% increase compared to 343 deaths in 2022.
RoadSafetyUAE founder, Thomas Edelmann, expressed alarm over the rising number of incidents and the apparent lack of supervision for underage riders.
He criticized the absence of safety gear, such as helmets and reflective vests, among minors riding e-scooters, and emphasized the need for more robust safety measures and parental engagement.
Edelmann suggested that schools should implement a comprehensive road safety curriculum to foster a culture of safety among young riders.
He underscored the need for ongoing education rather than sporadic awareness sessions.
In addition to advocating for behavioral changes, Edelmann highlighted the importance of improved infrastructure, including dedicated lanes for e-scooter users and better-marked crossings for both pedestrians and cyclists.
Dr. Mustafa Aldah, a road safety expert, proposed the establishment of a federal entity dedicated to road safety management.
He noted that such an entity could streamline oversight and coordination among various stakeholders involved in transport safety.
He pointed to a societal responsibility to address the current challenges regarding road safety and reduce traffic-related tragedies.
Dr. Aldah reflected on the historical context of traffic incidents in the region, acknowledging improvements over the years while questioning whether sufficient measures have been implemented to enhance safety for young road users.
The calls for regulatory reforms and improved safety practices come at a critical time as the UAE continues to aim for enhanced road safety, especially amid troubling statistics revealing an upward trend in accident rates involving both e-scooters and traditional vehicles.
The call for action follows two tragic incidents in February that claimed the lives of minors.
On February 25, a 15-year-old Indian student, a promising badminton athlete, died from injuries sustained in an e-scooter accident in Al Nahda, near Zulekha Hospital.
Just two days later, a nine-year-old Arab boy was involved in a fatal collision with a vehicle while riding an electric scooter.
Under current laws in Dubai, e-scooters are permitted only for individuals aged 16 and older, necessitating a permit from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) after completing an online awareness training course.
In contrast, Sharjah allows riders aged 14 and above to operate e-scooters on the roads.
Last year, Dubai recorded 254 accidents involving bicycles and e-scooters, resulting in 10 fatalities and a total of 259 injuries.
These injuries included 17 severe cases, alongside 133 moderate and 109 minor injuries.
The Ministry of Interior has reported a concerning increase in road accidents throughout the UAE.
In 2024, a total of 384 road deaths were noted, marking a rise of 32, or 9%, from the 352 fatalities recorded in 2023. This figure also represents a 12% increase compared to 343 deaths in 2022.
RoadSafetyUAE founder, Thomas Edelmann, expressed alarm over the rising number of incidents and the apparent lack of supervision for underage riders.
He criticized the absence of safety gear, such as helmets and reflective vests, among minors riding e-scooters, and emphasized the need for more robust safety measures and parental engagement.
Edelmann suggested that schools should implement a comprehensive road safety curriculum to foster a culture of safety among young riders.
He underscored the need for ongoing education rather than sporadic awareness sessions.
In addition to advocating for behavioral changes, Edelmann highlighted the importance of improved infrastructure, including dedicated lanes for e-scooter users and better-marked crossings for both pedestrians and cyclists.
Dr. Mustafa Aldah, a road safety expert, proposed the establishment of a federal entity dedicated to road safety management.
He noted that such an entity could streamline oversight and coordination among various stakeholders involved in transport safety.
He pointed to a societal responsibility to address the current challenges regarding road safety and reduce traffic-related tragedies.
Dr. Aldah reflected on the historical context of traffic incidents in the region, acknowledging improvements over the years while questioning whether sufficient measures have been implemented to enhance safety for young road users.
The calls for regulatory reforms and improved safety practices come at a critical time as the UAE continues to aim for enhanced road safety, especially amid troubling statistics revealing an upward trend in accident rates involving both e-scooters and traditional vehicles.
