As part of strict safety measures, the RTA has banned E-scooters inside public transport such as the metro and tram in Dubai. The ban came into effect on March 1 after an announcement via X, where the RTA stated the safety of scooter users as well as other passengers on board the metro as the reason.
The sudden ban surprised commuters early on Friday morning (March 1) when those with e-scooters in tow were politely informed by Dubai Metro staff they couldn’t board the trains and trams with their vehicles. The prohibition also applies to full and foldable bicycles which were earlier allowed on metros and across pedestrian footbridges.
Why are E-scooters banned in Dubai Metro?
The prohibition has come into effect due to the potential of e-scooters and battery-operated mobility devices to catch fire. In a statement to Khaleej Times, the RTA clarified that the e-scooter ban will remain in place “until further notice while it reviews the safety regulations.”
In February 2024, massive delays were experienced at Onpassive metro station after smoke was found coming out of an electric scooter.
It is unclear whether there will be a fine for metro users breaking the new RTA rule and carrying their e-scooters and foldable bikes inside trains. However, this rule comes hot on the heels of another RTA announcement issued on February 29 stating that AI-powered robots will be trialled in parts of the city to detect violations by cyclists and users of soft-mobility devices such as e-scooters.