BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
As e-scooters become part of daily life for many UAE residents, a new study turns the focus on rider behaviour and the safety issues linked to these two-wheelers.
Analysing recently published open data from the Ministry of Interior, the research found that e-scooter accidents rose in 2025 — a concern that police forces are tackling through rigorous monitoring and awareness campaigns on the ground.
60% of UAE residents consider e-scooters an important transport option in their area, according to the new perception study commissioned by Al Wathba Insurance and RoadSafetyUAE and conducted by international research firm TGM.
Yet 93% of those surveyed said they had seen e-scooter riders behave “in an unsafe or reckless way”, and most also reported certain violations — riders without helmets, those riding in undesignated areas, and some who appear to be underage, the study found.
Such dangerous behaviours aren’t going unchecked. The same research found that 70% of respondents had seen traffic officers enforcing rules or checking on e-scooter riders, a sign of how closely the police are watching the issue.
“Various initiatives have been undertaken by the public stakeholders which is commendable and highly needed,” said Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE.
“The data of [our] study recommend that more needs to be done to educate e-scooter riders about the current rules, and about the basics of polite and caring riding. This will yield in less accidents for e-scooter riders … as well as a smoother joint traffic experience.”
The police have been working to keep riders informed. In February this year, Abu Dhabi Police officers fanned out across the city to engage with e-scooter riders right on the streets. They reminded them of the rules, offered safety advice and handed out brochures with simplified guidelines. Those caught violating rules were issued notices.
The goal, the police said, is to build a culture of compliance and safe riding, reduce accidents and serious injuries, protect lives and property and enhance community safety.
UAE residents are also rallying behind that goal. Both riders and non-riders are calling for greater awareness and stronger safety practices to keep pace with the growing use of e-scooters.
Abu Dhabi resident Mohammad Othman has been riding an e-scooter daily for over a year and says it’s his go-to option for short trips.
“I can get to work faster without getting stuck in traffic,” he told Aletihad. “It’s convenient and quick. I wear my helmet and make sure to stay in the dedicated lanes.”
With the right safety precautions in place, he believes far more people would consider e-scooters for their daily commute.
Maria Kampouri, another expat who lives in Abu Dhabi, agrees the two-wheelers are now almost everywhere, though she’s noticed some riders speeding, “especially when they are at parks”.
“I’ve used them too sometimes, but it’s important that everyone understands the safety rules,” she said.