A massive 93% of United Arab Emirates residents have witnessed unsafe or reckless e-scooter riding, according to a joint study conducted by Al Wathba Insurance and RoadSafetyUAE.
The big survey that asked 1,010 people from over the country shows more people are worried, about the safety of small vehicles. The results of the research say that 90% of the people who took part felt unsafe because of the way e-scooters are used in areas.
The survey showed a problem with traffic and safety rules that happens every day in cities, across the UAE.
- No Safety Equipment: 90% of the people who took the survey said they often see riders not wearing helmets.
- Riding in Unauthorized Zones: 89% observed e-scooter riders using prohibited areas, such as crowded pedestrian sidewalks or driving against traffic flow.
- Underage Users: 88% reported seeing individuals who appeared to be under the legal minimum age of 16 operating e-scooters, with 26% noting that underage family members use them.
- Nighttime Visibility: 81% stated they have seen riders operating e-scooters at night without headlights or taillights.
The survey coincides with traffic data from the Ministry of Interior showing a 97% surge in major e-scooter accidents in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Despite safety concerns, 60% of residents surveyed agree that e-scooters serve an important micro-mobility transportation need. To resolve the friction between pedestrians, motorists, and riders, 88% of respondents advocated for expanded dedicated e-scooter lanes, while insurance experts called for mandatory third-party liability insurance for private scooter owners.
