Government

New personal mobility unit launched to tackle rising violations and enhance traffic safety

Dubai Police announced on Saturday that 656 e-scooters were confiscated in the Al Barsha area in 2024 due to various traffic law violations. The revelation came during an inspection visit by Major General Harib Mohammed Al Shamsi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Affairs, to Al Barsha Police Station as part of an annual review program covering police stations and general departments.

The crackdown forms part of Dubai’s broader initiative to improve road safety, especially concerning the use of personal mobility devices such as bicycles and e-scooters. The confiscations were made in response to dangerous rider behaviors and violations of traffic rules, Al Shamsi noted.

Full Compliance from Officers, Focus on Road Safety

The inspection also assessed Al Barsha Police Station’s performance across several indicators including emergency response times, accident fatality rates, and crime levels. The review found that officers had achieved a 100% presence rate at incident locations, successfully meeting performance targets.

Al Shamsi emphasized the department's commitment to mitigating negative traffic behavior and ensuring public safety. Checkpoints were strategically placed across the area to monitor and apprehend violators.

Dedicated Unit for Cyclist and E-Scooter Safety

In April 2025, Dubai introduced a Personal Mobility Monitoring Unit, a joint initiative by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police, aimed at overseeing e-scooter and bicycle use across the city. The unit is responsible for enforcing traffic laws on designated mobility tracks, promoting safe riding practices, and improving traffic flow.

The move follows troubling statistics from 2024, when Dubai recorded 254 accidents involving bicycles and e-scooters, leading to 10 fatalities and 259 injuries, including 17 classified as severe. Authorities say many of these incidents were due to reckless or inexperienced riders, often teenagers riding without licenses or parental supervision.

Community Concerns Over Reckless Use

The surge in e-scooter use, particularly among unlicensed minors, has raised safety concerns among residents. Several parents have reported witnessing teenagers navigating busy roads and traffic lanes without regard for safety protocols, often without helmets or protective gear.

Officials urge all users to follow designated paths, wear proper safety equipment, and adhere to age and licensing regulations to prevent accidents and maintain order on the roads.

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