With the arrival of cooler winter temperatures and school holidays, UAE neighborhoods are witnessing a surge in children utilizing electric scooters and bicycles. However, this seasonal spike in outdoor activity is raising significant safety concerns among authorities and road safety experts, who are issuing urgent calls for increased parental supervision.
Road safety specialist Mustafa Aldah emphasized the critical role parents play in assessing their children’s readiness for independent riding. “Parents possess an intimate understanding of their child’s maturity level and must exercise judgment in permitting such activities,” Aldah stated. He further stressed that parental responsibility extends to ensuring children are fully equipped with necessary safety gear before operating any motorized vehicle.
The warnings follow several tragic incidents, including fatalities in Dubai and Sharjah involving young riders. Experts highlight a dangerous trend of reckless riding in street centers, often without adult oversight. Resident testimonies corroborate these concerns; Mariam A. from Sharjah reported a near-collision with a group of unsupervised children aged 8-9 years while driving at low speed.
Legal repercussions are escalating alongside safety concerns. UAE police authorities have repeatedly cautioned against using these vehicles on public roads, with some jurisdictions taking legal action against parents for negligence. In a notable case, Dubai Public Prosecution referred parents of a 13-year-old girl injured while riding an e-scooter across a road.
The situation reached a tragic peak earlier this month with the death of a 10-year-old boy in an e-scooter accident in Umm Al Quwain. These incidents underscore the urgent need for responsible supervision and adherence to safety protocols to prevent further tragedies during the winter holiday period.