Dubai: Residents concerned over children riding e-scooters on roads as accidents increase
The number of electric bikes and e-scooters being recklessly operated by unlicensed teenagers is on the rise, according to concerned UAE residents. Whether riding alone or in groups, these minors are seen navigating busy roads and traffic lanes with little to no experience, often ignoring traffic laws and without any parental supervision.
With e-scooters already popular, electric bikes have now emerged as the latest trend among Generation Alpha. According to parents interviewed by Khaleej Times, many children are requesting these bikes as gifts as soon as they reach their teenage years, claiming that 'everyone their age' already has one.
Residents have voiced serious concerns about children riding these bikes on public roads, particularly in residential neighborhoods. Many young riders display reckless behaviour that not only endangers themselves but also poses a distraction to drivers.
Authorities in Dubai have warned that parents could face legal consequences if their children violate safety regulations. As part of its 'Crime and Lesson' series, the Dubai Public Prosecution highlighted a case involving a 13-year-old girl who was injured while crossing the road on her e-scooter. It was later revealed that her father had gifted her the scooter as a reward for good academic performance. The parents were subsequently referred to court for negligence and endangering a child's life.
Fatal consequences
In 2024, Dubai recorded 254 e-scooter and bicycle-related accidents, resulting in 10 fatalities and 259 injuries, 17 of which were serious. The issue has become even more pressing in 2025, with two e-scooter-related deaths occurring within just three days in February - both involving minors aged 15 and 9.
Dubai enforces strict regulations on e-scooter and e-bike use, including a minimum rider age of 16. In April, authorities launched a dedicated Personal Mobility Monitoring Unit to oversee violations involving cyclists and e-scooter users. The initiative aims to enhance traffic safety and ensure compliance with established safety protocols.
'Irresponsible behaviour'
Abdulrahman Mubarak, a 29-year-old resident of Al Barsha, expressed his concern: 'Even though I'm not a father, it hurts to see children riding these bikes in the streets without any supervision.'
He shared that during his afternoon runs, he often sees groups of children aged 11 to 13 riding multiple electric bikes, sometimes on sandy trails, other times on the road. 'I've seen two or even three children riding on a single bike,' he said. 'What shocked me the most was the excessive weight on one bike. They ended up falling, but thankfully, it was on sand, not the road, so no one got hurt.'
Abdulrahman urged parents to monitor their children closely and not to give in to demands without fully understanding the risks involved.
Sabta Hassan recalled a frightening incident when a teenage biker suddenly began performing a wheelie directly in front of her car on a main road. 'I had to slam on the brakes because my children were with me in the car. It was a hazardous situation,' she said.
She added that such reckless behaviour puts not only the riders but also others at serious risk, noting that many of these teenagers enter the streets without paying attention to traffic or using designated area..
She urged parents not to give in to their children's requests to buy such bikes, 'These bikes don't guarantee their safety; in fact, they could be the reason they get hurt or hurt someone else,' she added.
She also called on the authorities to conduct more inspections in residential neighborhoods and take action to limit the possession of these bikes, helping to ensure the community's safety.
Rules and Regulations
Many residents are calling on parents to take greater responsibility by supervising their children and enforcing rules around the use of electric bikes. Operating such vehicles at a young age is not only unsafe—it's illegal. The growing trend is seen by many as a consequence of parental neglect, putting young lives at risk and disrupting community safety.
Current regulations require riders to:
Authorities routinely seize hundreds of e-scooters and bicycles each month for violations such as riding in prohibited areas, including roads and pedestrian walkways.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
41 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
'We sleep much better': Why Zayed Sustainability Prize winner lit up remote Africa
Spending the first five years of her life in the turmoil of Lebanon's civil war in the early 1980s, Angela Homsi remembers a world without electricity and basic luxuries. That memory shaped her mission to bring clean, sustainable energy to underserved communities, especially in Africa. Now, over four decades later, Homsi is leading Ignite Power, a renewable energy company she co-founded, from a new global headquarters in Abu Dhabi. 'We cannot be more excited by this latest development,' Homsi, winner of the 2024 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Energy category, told Khaleej Times. 'There's no nation out there in the world more aligned with what we want to do and achieve with our impacts than the UAE.' Ignite Power provides solar-powered electricity and internet to some of Africa's most remote communities. The company currently operates in 15 countries and is aiming to reach 100 million people over the next five years. 'We're on a very high growth path, and the UAE is really at the centre of 2.5 to 3 billion people. It's a very strategic location for logistics, economic power, and influence.' Lighting up lives The impact of Ignite's work is far-reaching. In rural Rwanda, the arrival of solar home systems has transformed daily life for families. 'Now, with the lights, we sleep much better,' said Mukande Qwe, a mother of three in Gisagara. 'We used to sleep with the cows before because it wasn't safe to leave them outside due to the many thefts after dark. Now, thanks to the light, we keep them outside, and everybody has more room to sleep comfortably.' Beneficiaries across the country echoed similar stories of transformation. Nakabonye Daforosa, a 70-year-old resident of Rulindo, said: 'My granddaughter is able to do her homework after dark and is getting higher grades. The radio helps me stay updated… the solar torch allows me to walk outside after dark.' Odetta Musabyimana, 58, lives alone in Gisagara. 'I feel much safer with the lights on… I also save 100 francs a month since I don't have to buy petrol anymore. I have time to make mattresses, giving them to neighbours and friends who cannot afford to buy one.' Other households have seen a boost in agricultural output and income. 'Before we had light, we sold 20kg of beans and 30kg of maize, and now we are selling 40kg of beans and 60kg of maize,' said Tasiana Irikunze, a mother of two from Kabunjwiri village. 'When we didn't have light, we lost crops due to rotting. Now we have more time to process them.' Solar-powered irrigation has also made a difference. 'We used to sell 200kg, and now it is 500kg,' said Mukamparaye Jeanne from Kivomo. 'Before, we used a generator and petrol to fuel it, 5L per day… extremely expensive and not even half as beneficial.' For Nsabimana Deogen, a farmer and mother in Rulindo, the benefits are personal and financial. 'With proper light, I can cook clean food, and my family's health has gotten much better for it. The light has given my children time to study and do their homework, their grades are rising, and they have much higher motivation to succeed.' Homsi, now 44, was born in Lebanon in 1980 and moved to Cairo at age five. She later lived in Europe and pursued a career in investment, working with Goldman Sachs and Generation Investment Management, the sustainability fund chaired by former US Vice President Al Gore. 'I always wanted to make an impact on the wider continent,' she said. 'To do something that will change the direction of Africa and the Middle East.' Ignite began not as a company, but as a white paper. 'Most countries in Africa only had around 20 per cent of their population with access to electricity,' Homsi explained. 'Eighty percent were using kerosene lamps, damaging to health, education, and economic development.' The first project was launched in Rwanda after Homsi and her team presented a vision to the country's president. 'We supported writing a proper socio-economic feasibility study on how Rwanda could become the first fully connected country in Africa.' Growth through Abu Dhabi Since receiving the Zayed Sustainability Prize, Homsi said Ignite has grown eightfold. 'That's huge. Above and beyond our own expectation,' she said. The award helped raise visibility and credibility. 'We've always had our head on the ground, making sure every single dollar goes to the deepest possible impact." "The prize helped us tell our story.' One of the company's most promising initiatives is the solar-plus-internet deployment in schools. 'We deployed the first 30 schools right after the prize,' she said. 'That pilot is now shaping the way for the next 10,000 schools in multiple countries.' Homsi believes Abu Dhabi offers the infrastructure and values to support the firm's ambitious growth. 'We've already incorporated in the UAE, finalised office spaces, and started hiring. The office will host our senior management, R&D, business development, procurement, and public affairs roles — functions that cover multi-country operations.' She also plans to deepen ties with UAE universities. 'I dedicate a large amount of my time to education, advocacy, teaching… we need more youth to be inspired, to take over the flame, and carry on the mission.' For Homsi, impact and scale go hand in hand. 'You cannot scale the amount of people you will impact… if you cannot scale your business. It has to be a strong business that attracts top talent and achieves deep, lasting change,' she concluded.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Shookra Clinics launches in Dubai, ushering in new era of high-tech regenerative aesthetics
Dubai's wellness sector has welcomed a major innovation with the launch of Shookra Clinics, a state-of-the-art regenerative aesthetics and longevity center that blends biotechnology, precision diagnostics, and advanced cellular therapies. Touted as a first-of-its-kind concept in the region, Shookra Clinics introduces a 4-phase medical protocol that leverages AI-powered diagnostics, stem cell-based treatments, and personalised longevity programmes — placing it at the intersection of healthtech, aesthetics, and preventative medicine. The clinic's protocol begins with in-depth testing — including AI-based skin, hair, and scalp scans, genetic and bloodwork profiling, and biological age assessments — to create an individualised treatment roadmap. Subsequent phases integrate cutting-edge procedures like stem cell infusions, exosome therapy, PRP, mesotherapy, and energy-based technologies such as Morpheus8 and fractional lasers. Unlike traditional aesthetic offerings focused on surface-level results, Shookra's data-led model is built for measurable transformation and long-term biological optimisation. "This is a protocol-based, diagnostic-first system designed to rejuvenate from the inside out," said a clinic spokesperson. "It reflects the future of wellness - personalised, preventative, and regenerative." Operating on an exclusive membership model, each Shookra client receives dedicated support through a medical supervisor and concierge advisor. AI-driven dashboards track progress quarterly, adjusting skincare and supplement plans based on ongoing diagnostics. This long-term approach emphasises biological resilience and internal rejuvenation, not just external enhancement. With investment from Terra-Invest and a business strategy focused on high-margin, loyalty-based care, Shookra is already preparing for regional expansion — with new branches planned across the UAE and Saudi Arabia in response to growing demand for regenerative healthcare among affluent consumers. Shookra's launch comes as the Middle East's wellness market undergoes rapid evolution. According to MEA Wellness Market Reports, the regional aesthetic and longevity sector is projected to exceed $5.4 billion by 2030. Shookra's blend of advanced diagnostics, personalised treatment pathways, and a scalable infrastructure position it to capitalise on this growth - offering a next-generation solution for consumers seeking proactive, data-informed wellness. With further plans to integrate with AI wellness platforms and roll out biologically tailored product lines, Shookra aims to set a new global benchmark in aesthetic medicine - not just offering services but creating a full operating system for aging well.
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE-based Thorbjorn Olesen powers through epic qualifier to punch U.S. Open ticket
Grit, heartbreak, and the odd twist of fate were on full display Monday as golf's 'Longest Day' lived up to its billing. Across 10 sites and 47 available spots, players from all walks of life and countries including the UAE-based Dane Thorbjorn Olsen earned his ticket in Canada, where seven spots were available due to the PGA Tour's concurrent presence. The Danish golfer resides in Dubai with his family, having moved here around 2023. He has expressed that living in the UAE allows him to spend more time with his family and significantly improve his game. Other qualifiers included a 17-year-old high schooler and even a practising dentist - who secured their place in the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club outside Pittsburgh. But one thing was clear: Monday may have been the "Longest Day in Golf," but for many, it was also the most unforgettable. New Yorker Cameron Young was the headline act in Ohio, making a stirring late charge that saw him birdie three of his last four holes to sneak into a brutal 5-for-1 playoff. With nerves of steel, he drained a 12-foot birdie putt to clinch his berth in golf's ultimate examination. 'I feel like I showed myself something today,' Young reflected. 'For so long today I saw nothing go in. I started my day here 12 hours ago and made a 3, so I tried to do it again,' he added. A gruelling Road for Homa Meanwhile, Californian native Max Homa endured a punishing 38 holes lugging his own bag around the course after recently parting ways with his caddie. Fatigue took its toll, and a costly three-putt on his final hole sent him into a playoff rather than through safely. Despite a valiant effort, he fell short of automatic qualification and walked off with only a shot at an alternate spot. Rickie Fowler, who is known for his dynamic playing style and vibrant personality, also came up short, his campaign undone by a bogey when it mattered most. In brighter news for fans of consistency, South African Erik van Rooyen put in one of the day's cleanest performances, carding a 64 at Kinsale and cruising through six shots clear of the cut line. Bud Cauley, Lanto Griffin, Justin Lower, and Harrison Ott joined him among the qualifiers. A Young Star Emerges There were also moments of youthful brilliance. In Atlanta, 17-year-old Mason Howell delivered a blemish-free performance over 36 holes, finishing at 18-under-par to lead the field. Joining him were Auburn standout Jackson Koivun and Florida State's Tyler Weaver- evidence that the future of American golf is in good hands. Howell's feat was all the more striking considering the sheer pressure of the day and the elite company he kept. Dentist Turned Dreamer Across the country in Walla Walla, Washington, Matt Vogt turned heads with a story straight from a movie script. Now a practising dentist and oral surgeon based in Indianapolis, Vogt balances his professional career with competitive amateur golf, the Indiana native secured his own fairytale return - this time as a player at the U.S. Open. In North Carolina, Zach Bauchou led the field, adding another chapter to his growing resume. A former college roommate of Viktor Hovland, Bauchou had the Norwegian star on his bag during a past qualifier. LIV Players Fight for Places In Maryland, 15 LIV Golf players originally entered the field, but only one - Marc Leishman - made it through. Leishman edged out fellow LIV member Sebastian Munoz, booking a long-awaited return to major competition. Many others either failed to submit cards or withdrew before play began, including Bubba Watson and Lee Westwood. In Florida, heavy rain forced a suspension of play, delaying the fate of several hopefuls. Meanwhile, the final result in Columbus hinged on Bud Cauley's world ranking should he remain inside the top 60, Chase Johnson could get a call-up to his first-ever U.S. Open, after narrowly missing out but winning the playoff for alternate spots.
