Dubai resident Bimbo Calitis, 47, has been using his e-scooter daily for over four years, commuting between his home and work in Jumeirah. He always wears a safety helmet, adheres to designated areas, and respects the speed limit, ensuring he has never been involved in an accident. His family and close friends also find e-scooters convenient, practical, and safe for their daily commutes, strictly following all road safety regulations. However, they are aware that some riders have been involved in multiple accidents, endangering themselves and other road users.
Calitis and other responsible riders are frustrated by the calls for a blanket ban on battery-operated mobility devices due to the actions of a few reckless riders. "We are getting a bad reputation because of these reckless riders," said Calitis, the founder and CEO of Amphibious Swim and Surf School in Jumeirah. The Filipino expat emphasized that e-scooters remain the most economical and efficient way to navigate short distances in the city. He noted that banning them would be counterproductive, as they have proven to be effective first- and last-mile mobility solutions, benefiting many residents.
This week, more residents have expressed concerns about the reckless use of e-scooters in their communities, highlighting the dangers posed to pedestrians and riders alike. This follows the recent decision by Dubai Community Management to prohibit all types of e-scooters in the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) community to enhance safety and maintain the pedestrian-friendly appeal of the area. Dubai Police have also taken action, seizing 640 bicycles and e-scooters last month for various violations, including overspeeding and riding in undesignated areas.
Authorities are cracking down on violators, with over 7,800 traffic violations recorded and 4,474 e-scooters and bicycles confiscated in the first six months of 2024. Calitis stressed that the problem lies with reckless riders, not the e-scooters themselves. He advocates for stricter regulations rather than a ban, suggesting solutions like e-scooter registration and real-time tracking technology to encourage safe riding practices.
Dr. Mostafa Al Dah, founder of MA-Traffic Consulting, supports this view, proposing stronger regulations involving the police, community developers, and residents. He suggests implementing an "e-license" system where points are deducted for safety rule violations, and incorporating technology to monitor rider habits. Al Dah reiterated the need for e-scooters as viable first- and last-mile mobility solutions, proposing alternatives like bicycles and lowering speed limits in certain areas to combat reckless behavior.
