Electric scooters must not endanger pedestrians, Abu Dhabi Police stress

Thousands of scooters confiscated

Police announced that 9,237 electric scooters were confiscated for traffic violations during the first 10 months of 2026. The vehicles were used on public roads, between vehicles and in areas not designated for them, creating serious risks for riders and other road users, authorities said.

Safety first, not confiscation

Colonel Jaber Saeedan Al Mansouri, Director of Traffic and Security Patrols Department in Al Ain, said that confiscating scooters was a means of curbing dangerous practices and ensuring that they were used safely and responsibly. Speaking on Abu Dhabi radio, he explained that electric scooters are a form of personal transport used by people of different ages, from children to adults, but unsafe riding had caused problems for pedestrians and led to accidents and injuries.

Among the most concerning behaviours, he said, was riding scooters on roads between moving vehicles, putting riders at risk, and using pedestrian pathways in ways that obstructed people walking or could lead to collisions.

Dangerous practices identified

Authorities also identified riding without protective helmets and safety equipment, as well as failing to pay attention to surrounding traffic, among the dangerous practices recorded. Al Mansouri stressed that the objective was to ensure scooters remained a safe means of personal transport rather than a source of inconvenience or injury to others.

Awareness and enforcement continue

Al Mansouri said police would continue awareness campaigns alongside field inspections and enforcement operations to encourage responsible use of electric scooters. Abu Dhabi Police have urged riders to use only designated routes, wear helmets and protective equipment, and avoid riding on public roads or between vehicles.