JAKARTA - A joint task force has been formed to help ensure the safe use of electric scooters across the United Arab Emirates.
A committee consisting of members of the Federal Traffic Council was formed in response to reports of reckless behavior from motorists.
The move comes as scooters have grown in popularity around the world in recent years, being seen as an eco-friendly 'last mile alternative' to petrol vehicles.
The Federal Traffic Council does not have ultimate decision-making power in each emirate, but can make recommendations based on its findings. The new committee will work closely with the relevant authorities to develop plans to regulate its use.
"The formation of the committee follows observations of e-scooters being used in unsafe places and drivers disturbing other road users," said Brigadier Ahmed Al Naqbi, director of the traffic and patrol department at Ras Al Khaimah Police, citing The National News 4 January.
"It is imperative that we regulate the use of these vehicles through laws that will protect members of the public. Their use should be restricted to tracks dedicated to that purpose and users should wear protective gear, including helmets and reflective jackets, especially when driving at night." .
Dubai began a year-long trial of e-scooter rental in five districts in October 2020. The half million trips generated were used to assess how e-scooters could be safely integrated into the emirate's transportation system.
The scheme, led by the emirate's Roads and Transport Authority, was expanded to 10 regions of the emirate this year, including City Walk and Palm Jumeirah. Riders cannot use rented e-scooters outside designated test zones, police said.
E-scooters were banned from public parks in Dubai in May last year. The Dubai Municipality said the move was to protect other park users. Meanwhile, city-wide electric scooter rentals have been banned since early 2019, amid concerns over their irresponsible use. Driving a privately owned e-scooter is allowed.
However, concerns remain over the risks it can pose to users and pedestrians. In March last year, The National reported how UAE hospitals had reported a series of injuries caused by e-scooter accidents.
Doctors said fractures, bruises and scrapes from falling from two-wheeled vehicles, some of which could travel more than 30 kilometers per hour, were common.
Brigadier Al Naqbi said traffic patrols conducted by Ras Al Khaimah Police had found many young people using e-scooters in unsafe conditions.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Saif Abdullah Al Falasi, director of traffic and patrols at the Ajman Police, said driving an electric scooter on the main road was against the law.
"They have no safety equipment and can travel at speeds exceeding 20 km/h, but they are widespread because they are cheap," he said.
The official said the e-scooter manufacturer must determine the age of the user.
"This is because they are aware of the dangers if the vehicle is used by children," he said.
To note, in June last year, two children were hit by a car while riding an e-scooter in Sharjah. One of them, an Emirati, 13, suffered serious injuries when he was hit by a car near the Al Lou'Lou'a roundabout in Khor Fakan. The other, a fifth grader in the emirate, died 15 days after being hit by a vehicle while riding his e-scooter.
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