Abu Dhabi: Pedestrians have recently been complaining about the "reckless" behaviour of some electric scooter users on sidewalks and designated walkways, highlighting violations they observe daily, including excessive speed, stunt driving, driving on sidewalks designated for pedestrians, as well as leaving and neglecting scooters randomly on sidewalks and in building entrances, and not using lights at night.Abu Dhabi Police stressed the need to drive e-scooters carefully in crowded areas, give way to pedestrians, avoid overtaking and dangerous stunts, and give priority to road users.An insurance expert stressed the importance of having mandatory third-party liability insurance for users of private scooters and electric bikes.Pedestrians shared more details about how they have observed reckless behaviour by electric bike riders on roads, sidewalks and designated paths, which exposes them to collision and injury accidents.Umm Khalid stated that the biggest problem is the element of surprise: “The scooter passes by at a crazy speed and without the sound of an engine, and it may not take more than one spontaneous step for a disaster and a direct hit to occur.”Mohammed Ashraf agreed with her, saying that "some teenagers treat the sidewalk as if it were a race track, without any consideration for the presence of families or young children in the area."Awad Hassan pointed to uncivilized behaviours committed by some scooter riders, including randomly throwing the scooter after the end of the trip in the middle of the sidewalk, or the ramps designated for wheelchairs for people with disabilities, which turns them into obstacles that lead to tripping, especially at night.Others pointed out that some drivers turn off their headlights and taillights, or drive scooters with faulty lights, making it difficult for pedestrians and cars to see and avoid them in the dark.What the numbers sayAccording to a recent joint study conducted by Al Wathba Insurance and the UAE Road Safety Platform, involving 1,010 participants, 93% of UAE residents reported observing unsafe or reckless behaviour by electric scooter drivers.The study revealed that about 90% of participants reported seeing drivers not wearing protective helmets, while 89% observed scooter use in undesignated areas.The study indicated that the use of electric scooters by minors is one of the main concerns, as 88% of participants reported seeing drivers who appeared to be under 16 years old, while 26% stated that there were members in their families under the age of 16 using these means.Despite safety concerns, 60% of participants believe that electric scooters meet an important transportation need, while 88% see a need to create more dedicated lanes and crossings for electric scooters. Around 81% reported seeing electric bike riders riding them at night without lights.For its part, Abu Dhabi Police stressed the importance of safe driving by adhering to the use of personal protective equipment, including a helmet, knee and elbow pads, using designated bike lanes, walking in the direction of traffic, and staying away from public roads designated for vehicles.The authorities also urged electric bicycle riders to adhere to speed limits and not exceed them, not to carry any other passengers or heavy loads, as this may cause loss of balance and increase the risk of accidents, and not to use headphones while riding, in order to maintain focus and attention to the road. They emphasises the importance of complying with traffic signals and signs, and to avoid using mobile phones, headphones or any device that may lead to distraction while riding.The authorities also stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of the electric bicycle before use, especially the brakes, tyres, and lights.Who pays for damages?Insurance expert Bassam Jalmiran said that if a scooter user causes injury to a pedestrian, he bears responsibility for the damages and compensation resulting from the accident. Picture credit: SuppliedInsurance expert Bassam Jalmiran stated that the UAE has legislations and regulations governing the use of personal transportation, including e-scooters and electric bicycles. He pointed to Executive Council Resolution No. (13) of 2022 regulating the use of electric bicycles and scooters in Dubai, which sets usage and safety guidelines, including maintaining a safe distance from pedestrians and not endangering them. He also mentioned the rules and guidelines for micro-mobility in Abu Dhabi, which regulate the use of these vehicles and prioritise pedestrian safety.Regarding accidents between e-scooters or electric bikes and pedestrians, Jalmiran said that if a scooter user causes injury to a pedestrian, he bears responsibility for the damages and compensation resulting from the accident, according to the liability that is proven against him.From an insurance standpoint, there is currently no mandatory general insurance for private scooters that covers third-party liability, so if the user does not have any appropriate insurance coverage, he bears the responsibility and compensation personally.If there is a scooter insurance policy that includes third-party liability, or another civil liability policy that expressly extends its coverage to the use of the scooter, then the insurance company will provide compensation within the limits and conditions of the policy.As for scooters belonging to rental companies and operators, there are insurance requirements, as in Abu Dhabi, that include third-party liability and accidents with pedestrians.Jalmiran stressed the need for mandatory third-party liability insurance for users of private scooters and electric bikes, to ensure the protection of pedestrians and other parties, and to compensate them in the event of injuries, especially if the person responsible does not have the financial ability to pay the compensation.
