All e-scooters and e-bikes are now banned in the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) community to improve safety for both residents and visitors. Dubai Community Management confirmed to Khaleej Times on Thursday that this measure is intended to prevent accidents and create a safer environment.
Battery-powered mobility devices are now restricted on the ground and plaza levels of The Walk. Prominent signs in Arabic and English, featuring crossed-out icons of e-bikes and e-scooters, have been placed throughout the area.
Residents of the community and frequent visitors to the tourist area have welcomed the ban.
Italian expat Simone Majocchi, who shared photos of the notices, told Khaleej Times: “I live at one end of Dubai Marina and regularly walk the loop formed by Marina Walk and JBR Walk. I’m pleased that Dubai Community Management has prohibited anything on wheels from the walkway stretching from JBR 1 to Roxy Cinemas The Beach JBR.
“The area is bustling with new shops and restaurants that take up much of the walkway, narrowing it to just a few meters in some spots. With this new ban on e-scooters, I can now walk with peace of mind.”
Road safety experts have suggested implementing a number plate or unique ID to identify e-scooters. Currently, e-scooters are not required to be registered, although all riders must obtain a permit from the RTA.
“The purpose of registering e-scooters is to raise awareness that they are not toys but legitimate vehicles that participate in road traffic. This, in turn, is expected to encourage more considerate and safe riding,” explained Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE.
There is no updated data on the number of e-scooters across Dubai. However, according to statistics released by the RTA last November, the authority issued more than 63,500 e-scooter permits since the requirement was introduced in April 2022.
Only individuals aged 16 and above are permitted to ride e-scooters. Permits are granted after completing training and awareness courses available on the RTA website. However, those with valid driving licenses are exempt from these courses, and individuals 15 and below are only allowed to use manual scooters and bicycles.
CREDIT : KHALEEJTIMES
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