JA Padua, 28, is relieved that he can once again use his e-scooter for his daily commute between home and work, after the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Friday announced lifting the ban on e-scooters inside Dubai Metro and Tram.
For the Dubai resident, being able to bring e-scooters inside the trains again would mean not only convenience but also savings.
“I will no longer need to walk for more than a kilometre from the metro station to our office – or take a short taxi ride when I’m already late – I just need to hop on to my e-scooter and swing to work,” said Padua, who lives near Al Furjan Metro Station and works at Jumeirah Lake Towers.
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Filipina expat Gemma Asuncion, who works at a mall connected to a metro station, said: “I can now save again at least Dh500 monthly by using my reliable e-scooter rather than taking a short taxi ride from home going to Al Rigga Metro Station.”
“E-scooters are still the fastest and most economical way to go around the city on short distances,” she added.
Transportation and tech experts also welcomed the move as they said “it is in the interest of everyone to have an efficient transport system”. Many Dubai residents use e-scooters that are widely promoted for their practicality as first- and last-mile green mobility solutions.
The temporary ban on e-scooters inside Dubai Metro and Tram was first implemented on March 1 this year, citing safety of passengers as the rationale for the decision. It was reportedly prompted by an incident in mid-February at Onpassive Metro Station, where operations were delayed for nearly an hour after smoke was detected from one of the e-scooters onboard.
Following the ban, only non-electric scooters and foldable bicycles without batteries were permitted inside the trains. Authorities warned e-scooters are powered by lithium-ion batteries that can overheat, catch fire and cause an explosion, especially when damaged or manufactured defectively.
The RTA lifted the ban on October 4 with restrictions, including imposing specific requirements on the size and weight of e-scooters. Only foldable e-scooters without a seat can be brought inside the train and they must be only 120cm x 70cm x 40cm in size, and must not weigh more than 20kg.
Riders must also fold their e-scooters when entering stations, platforms, or onboard the trains/trams. Riding of e-scooters or e-bikes is not allowed in stations or footbridges. E-scooters must also be turned off at all times inside Metro or Tram premises. More regulations can be found here.
Integral part of transport system
For Emirati traffic safety researcher Dr Mostafa Al Dah, removing the ban is a welcome development. “It is great to see that the authorities – upon further study – have decided to update the regulations on this issue.” he told Khaleej Times on Friday.
“I am sure it is in the interest of everyone to enable an efficient transport system, and I think these newer transport devices are an integral part of the transport system. I hope this eases the commute for thousands of people who use this mode of transport every day. They (e-scooters) are here for the long-term,” added Al Dah, who is founder of MA-Traffic Consulting and former head of traffic studies section at Dubai Police.
Use safer, more reliable batteries
Italian expat and tech journalist Simone Majocchi agreed with lifting the ban and noted: “They (authorities) are giving back to people the last-mile transportation solution.”
Majocchi added: “The value and importance of scooters for people is worth risking a little. I think it is a reasonable compromise between people’s needs and their safety. Hundred per cent safety is unattainable.”
He also noted there are now clear rules on the space e-scooters can take in the Metro. On batteries, however, Majocchi expressed that having certification would not be enough as this document can be faked.
It is better to have safer and more reliable batteries to avoid spontaneous combustion. “The batteries that do not explode or catch fire are available but cost more than the regular ones,” Majocchi pointed out, noting: LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries are the safest, but you need to look for scooters with those batteries and be prepared for a premium price.”
According to safety experts, LiFePO4 batterries have the edge over lithium-ion, in terms of life cycle and safety. Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and even catch fire, while LiFePO4 does not.
“We are now entering a cooler season, so scooters will be exposed to less severe temperature –this will help a lot. Maybe this was an element that RTA considered while lifting the ban,” added Majocchi, who also called on owners to be extra careful when charging their e-scooters.
At home, don’t charge and leave it while you go to sleep – it could be dangerous,” said Majocchi.