Regulatory officials in Dubai are set to establish a dedicated unit tasked with overseeing compliance by cyclists and e-scooter riders. The newly formed Personal Mobility Monitoring Unit is aimed at enhancing road safety on paths designated for cycling and e-scooting while ensuring adherence to all necessary safety protocols.
This initiative is the result of a partnership between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai Police, and it will focus on enforcing traffic regulations, managing the flow of cyclists in designated lanes, and raising public awareness regarding safe riding habits.
Individuals found in violation of the regulations will face penalties according to existing laws. Personnel from this new unit will be deployed at key cycling paths and major streets connecting areas conducive to soft mobility, ensuring active monitoring and enforcement of traffic rules.
This development follows a review of the Traffic Safety Strategy for 2022-2026 by the RTA and Dubai Police. The agencies reported a notable increase in the usage of personal mobility devices, with bicycle trips climbing from 44 million in 2023 to 46.6 million in 2024, marking a 5% rise, while e-scooter trips surged from 30 million to 32.3 million, reflecting an 8% growth.
In 2023, Dubai recorded a total of 254 accidents involving e-scooters and bicycles, leading to 10 fatalities and 259 injuries, of which 17 were serious. The situation has escalated in 2025, highlighted by two fatalities linked to e-scooters occurring within just three days in February.
According to local road safety experts, there is a pressing need for stricter laws and more rigorous enforcement related to e-scooter regulations. Thomas Edelmann, the founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, advocated for the implementation of a mandatory road safety curriculum within educational institutions.
“The current situation regarding e-scooters is alarming. We frequently observe underage users without helmets, reflective apparel, or lights, recklessly riding on roads against traffic. Additionally, we see multiple riders on a single scooter and very few children adhering to the established rules,” he stated.
Last year, Dubai recorded almost 40,000 violations involving e-scooters and bicycles as enforcement efforts intensified. Offenders can incur fines up to Dh300 for various infractions such as riding on public roads, reckless behavior, and neglecting the use of safety equipment.
Current regulations mandate that riders utilize only designated lanes, refrain from carrying passengers or items that could disrupt balance, avoid riding against traffic, and wear helmets along with other protective gear.
In an innovative approach to monitoring, Dubai recently introduced a 200kg, five-foot robot specifically for overseeing e-scooter and bicycle use along Jumeirah 3 beach. This robotic unit is engineered to identify violations and contribute to the safer implementation of personal mobility devices.
Sahim Salim
As an Associate Editor, Sahim Salim plays a crucial role in highlighting stories from the UAE uniquely and manages a talented team.More