Ban on e-bikes, e-scooters in some Dubai areas: Public safety or curbing freedom?
Long-time Abu Dhabi resident Taha (full name withheld) expressed concern over the risks posed by erratic riders. "Their movements are so unpredictable, and many ride with no regard for safety, weaving through traffic without care. If an accident happens, it’s the driver who will likely be blamed.
In just the first five months of 2025, 13 lives were lost in Dubai due to e-scooter misuse and jaywalking — a sharp, sobering spike that's reignited public debate around micromobility. The numbers tell their own story: in 2024 alone, the city recorded 254 accidents involving e-scooters and bicycles, resulting in 10 fatalities and 259 injuries.
While e-scooters and e-bikes offer a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation, their growing popularity has also led to a rise in traffic violations and fatalities. In response, many residents are calling for either tighter regulation or outright bans within residential areas. Others, however, argue that a blanket ban is not the solution but rather a setback for daily commuters who rely on these modes of transport.
The increasing disregard for traffic rules by some riders has become a pain for communities. As a result, neighbourhoods such as Victory Heights and Jumeirah Beach Residences have banned their use entirely.
Speaking to Khaleej Times (KT), members of the Victory Heights Owners Committee (OC) said the decision to seek a ban followed persistent complaints from residents and reports from security staff about safety hazards and property damage.
"After receiving strong feedback from many in the Victory Heights community, the Owners Committee communicated its view to SOAMS, our management company, that a ban would be in the best interest of public safety,” the OC said. The decision to impose a ban was taken after consultation with Dubai authorities."
Safety and property concerns
According to OC members, there was a noticeable rise in behaviours that raised legitimate safety and property concerns — such as riding through pedestrian areas, damaging landscaped zones, and evading community security controls. These incidents were reported by residents and observed by staff. After discussing the situation and hearing from concerned residents, the Owners Committee shared its recommendation with SOAMS that a ban be implemented to help protect the community environment.
KT reached out to SOAMS to understand the procedure followed in enforcing the ban. However, a response is still awaited.
The Dubai Community Management was clear about why they prohibited the use of e-scooters and e-bikes in the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) community in August 2024. Battery-powered mobility devices were banned on the ground and plaza levels of The Walk to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
Public safety or curbing freedom
While some residents support the ban, others feel it unfairly targets young riders and limits their freedom.
Lukas Petre, who lived in Victory Heights for 16 years, said, “The ban feels unfair. Teenagers should be out socialising and hanging out in their community. Riding helps me manage stress from my studies and has introduced me to many new people. It’s just a small group of irresponsible riders causing issues — they should be held accountable, not those of us who ride safely.”
