Dubai Police have confiscated 640 bicycles and e-scooters this month due to various traffic violations, including overspeeding, riding in undesignated areas, riding against traffic, and not wearing safety gear, Khaleej Times reported.
Authorities emphasized that these violations pose significant risks to both riders and others. Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi highlighted that certain infractions carry substantial fines. For instance, riding an e-bike or bicycle on roads with speed limits over 60kmph incurs a Dh300 fine. Additionally, riding in a manner that endangers others, carrying passengers on e-scooters, and transporting passengers on inadequately equipped bicycles each result in fines ranging from Dh200 to Dh300.
Al Ghaithi urged all e-scooter and bicycle riders to adhere strictly to traffic and safety guidelines. He also encouraged the public to report dangerous behavior through the ‘Police Eye’ service on the Dubai Police app or the ‘We Are All Police’ service at 901.
Last month, Dubai Police reported that four people died in separate accidents involving e-scooters and bicycles in the first half of 2024, with 25 injuries recorded from January to June. Over the same period, there were more than 7,800 traffic violations, leading to the confiscation of 4,474 e-scooters and bicycles. This equates to an average of 43 traffic violations and 24 confiscations daily.
E-scooters have become a popular mode of transport in Dubai, but their reckless use has raised concerns among pedestrians and motorists. Many users are seen riding dangerously, including against traffic and on pedestrian paths.
In a previous interview, Fatima El Hamed, an Egyptian resident in Al Majaz, Sharjah, called for stricter measures to curb dangerous behaviors among e-scooter riders. She highlighted issues such as ignoring traffic signals and using e-scooters on highways.
Earlier this year, Dubai Police considered the possibility of registering e-scooters with number plates or unique IDs, along with requiring riders to obtain driving permits. Road safety experts believe this measure could help raise awareness that e-scooters are legitimate vehicles and promote safer riding practices.