A staggering 97 per cent spike in major e-scooter accidents in 2025 has ignited serious concerns regarding road safety across the UAE. According to a new study conducted by Al Wathba Insurance and Road Safety UAE, nine out of ten residents now feel unsafe sharing the road with e-scooter users. The data, which mirrors recent Ministry of Interior figures highlighting a 45 per cent increase in micro-mobility accidents, paints a worrying picture of reckless behavior. Participants in the survey frequently reported witnessing riders ignoring traffic rules, such as riding on sidewalks, traveling against the flow of traffic, and neglecting to wear helmets. Perhaps most concerning is that nearly 90 per cent of respondents have seen children under the legal age of 16 operating these devices.

Despite these significant dangers, the study reveals a clear conflict between public safety and the genuine utility of micro-mobility, as 60 per cent of residents still view e-scooters as a vital transportation tool. Thomas Edelmann, founder of Road Safety UAE, emphasizes that while better infrastructure—such as dedicated lanes—is a necessary step, it is not a cure-all. He argues that the solution lies in a collective effort to educate riders on traffic laws and considerate behavior. To curb this trend, experts are calling on schools, employers, and parents to take an active role in promoting safer riding habits to ensure that the convenience of e-scooters does not continue to come at such a high cost to public safety.