A activity power has been arrange to assist make sure the secure use of electrical scooters throughout the UAE.
A committee comprising members of the Federal Traffic Council was shaped in response to experiences of reckless behaviour from riders.
The scooters have grown in recognition throughout the globe lately and have been considered as an eco-friendly “last mile” different to vehicles.
The Federal Traffic Council doesn’t have final decision-making powers in every emirate, however could make suggestions primarily based on its findings.
It’s important we organise the use of such automobiles by way of laws that can defend members of the general public
Brig Ahmed Al Naqbi, Federal Traffic Council
This new committee will work carefully with related authorities to develop plans to regulate their use.
“Forming the committee followed observations of e-scooters being used in unsafe places and of riders disturbing other road users,” stated Brig Ahmed Al Naqbi, director of the visitors and patrols division at Ras Al Khaimah Police.
“It’s essential we organise the use of such vehicles through legislation that will protect members of the public.
“Their use should be restricted to the tracks dedicated for that purpose and users must wear protective gear, including helmets and reflective jackets, especially when driving at night.”
Dubai started a year-long trial of e-scooter leases in 5 districts in October, 2020. The ensuing half 1,000,000 journeys have been used to assess how e-scooters will be safely built-in into the emirate’s transport system.
The scheme, led by the emirate’s Roads and Transport Authority, is being prolonged to 10 areas of the emirate this yr, together with City Walk and Palm Jumeirah.
Riders can’t use rental e-scooters outdoors of designated trial zones, police have stated.
E-scooters have been banned from public parks in Dubai in May final yr. Dubai Municipality stated the transfer was to defend different park customers.
Citywide, e-scooter leases have been outlawed since early 2019, amid concerns over their irresponsible use. Riding privately owned e-scooters is permitted.
But concerns stay over the danger they will pose to customers and pedestrians.
In March final yr, The National reported how UAE hospitals had reported a sequence of injuries attributable to e-scooter accidents.
Doctors stated damaged bones, bruises and scrapes from falling off the two-wheelers – some can journey at greater than 30 kilometres an hour – have been frequent.
Brig Al Naqbi stated visitors patrols carried out by Ras Al Khaimah Police had discovered many younger individuals utilizing e-scooters in unsafe circumstances.
Lt Col Saif Abdullah Al Falasi, director of visitors and patrols at Ajman Police, stated driving e-scooters on foremost roads was in opposition to the regulation.
“They lack security means and can go at speeds exceeding 20kph, but they are widespread because of their cheap price,” he stated.
The officer stated e-scooter producers ought to specify the age customers ought to be.
“This is because they are aware of the dangers if these vehicles were used by children,” he stated.
In June final yr, two youngsters have been struck by vehicles whereas driving e-scooters in Sharjah.
One of them, an Emirati, 13, sustained critical injuries when hit by a automotive close to the Al Lou’Lou’a roundabout in Khor Fakkan.
The different, a fifth grader within the emirate, died 15 days after being run over by a car whereas driving his e-scooter.
Updated: January 4th 2022, 4:35 AM