Dubai bans e-scooters in metro and tram for enhanced safety measures
In a significant move to enhance passenger safety, Dubai has announced a ban on e-scooters inside its Metro and Tram systems starting from March 1. The decision was declared by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Thursday, February 29, emphasizing the prohibition of commuters from carrying their last-mile transport within the facilities.
The RTA shared the announcement via Twitter, stating, “To ensure your safety and that of others, the use of e-scooters inside Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram will be prohibited, starting Friday, March 1.” The hashtag #YourSafetyOurPriority accompanied the tweet, highlighting the authority’s commitment to passenger safety.
This announcement follows the introduction of a surveillance robot by the authorities earlier on Thursday, which is designed to detect violations by users of bicycles and electric scooters. The robot, set for trial from March, aims to enhance monitoring and enforcement of regulations regarding e-scooter usage.
The ban comes in the wake of increasing complaints against e-scooter riders, including issues such as indiscriminate parking that blocks sidewalks and occupies parking slots, especially in popular residential areas. Additionally, incidents like the delay of services at Onpassive metro station due to smoke from an electric scooter have raised concerns over safety.
E-scooters have gained popularity as a mode of transport, with over 63,500 permits issued since April 2022. However, the RTA’s recent measures reflect a growing need to balance convenience with safety and order in public spaces.