For many people in Dubai who regularly use public transport, electric scooters are the first choice for traveling between metro stations and offices/homes. Instead of time-consuming buses and expensive taxis, they use e-bikes for the first and last mile of their journey.
For Dubai resident Mohan Pajoli, using an electric scooter between a metro station and his office/home can save him Dh500 per month.
“Now that I don’t need a taxi from the metro station to the office or from the metro station to the office, I’m starting to save almost Dh500 a month. Also, the time factor is very important. Riding an electric scooter from my office Getting to and from the subway station, even in traffic jams at night, is easy.”
Additionally, the Dubai resident said that despite charging his e-scooters every night, his electricity bills have not risen significantly.
For hundreds of public transport regulars like Payyoli, the news that the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will expand the use of e-scooters to 21 districts by 2023 is a breath of relief. Currently, electric scooters are permitted in 10 regions. The RTA announced that starting next year, the cars will be allowed in 11 new areas. The new areas are: Al Twar 1, Al Twar 2, Umm Suqeim 3, Al Garhoud, Muhaisnah 3, Umm Hurair 1, Al Safa 2, Al Barsha South 2, Al Barsha 3, Al Quoz 4 and Nad Al Sheba 1.
Electric scooters are very convenient for commuters within 5-10 kilometers of a subway station. With dedicated tracks, travel is easy even during rush hour. Electric scooters are now an integral part of the first and last mile journey for commuters using public transport.
Mohammad Salim, a sales executive who lives in Al Barsha, said his electric scooter was like a “savior”. He is glad that the RTA has taken the initiative to open up new areas for e-scooters.
Salim added: “The RTA is very considerate and provides separate lanes in most residential areas, which makes it easier for us to ride. It usually takes 20-25 minutes to wait for the bus at the station near my house. With my electric skateboard car, I save not only money but also time. Overall, investing around Dh1,000 in an electric motorcycle, I’ve done a pretty good job.”
An electric scooter costs between Dh1,000 and Dh2,000. Perks are worth much more. It’s also a greener way to travel.
Demand for electric scooters has surged in the past few months, and wholesalers and retailers expect further rises as winter sets in. Retailer Aladdin Akrami said earlier this year that he saw an increase of more than 70 percent in e-bike sales.
Dubai has various regulations regarding the use of electric scooters. According to the RTA, in order to avoid fines, users must:
- at least 16 years old
- Wear a protective helmet, appropriate gear and footwear
- Park at designated spots
- Avoid blocking the path of pedestrians and vehicles
- Maintain a safe distance between electric scooters, bicycles and pedestrians
- Do not carry anything that will cause the electric scooter to unbalance
- Inform the competent authorities in the event of an accident
- Avoid riding e-scooters outside designated or shared lanes
Post time: Nov-22-2022