Ajman Police Ban Electric Scooters to Improve Road Safety

Ajman Police have officially announced a complete ban on electric scooters, e-bikes, and all other two-wheeled electric vehicles on every public road, street, and highway within the emirate.

The new regulation, which is already in effect, applies to all types of scooters — privately owned, shared, or rented. Authorities confirmed that enforcement measures have begun immediately, with officers empowered to stop riders, issue fines, and confiscate vehicles that violate the rule.

According to Ajman Police, the move is a direct response to a worrying increase in road accidents, injuries, and traffic violations caused by unsafe scooter use. Officials say the decision was taken after months of monitoring, public complaints, and repeated warnings that went largely unheeded.

Why Ajman Took This Step

Electric scooters have surged in popularity across the UAE in recent years, becoming a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and convenient option for short-distance travel. Students, office workers, and delivery riders alike have adopted them for quick commutes.

However, this convenience has come at a cost. Authorities observed a series of dangerous patterns among some riders, including:

• Riding without helmets or protective gear
• Swerving unpredictably between cars
• Ignoring traffic lights and road signs
• Riding against the flow of traffic
• Speeding through pedestrian crossings

These actions not only put riders at risk but also endanger pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

Ajman Police reported a noticeable increase in accidents and near-misses in recent months, with several incidents caught on CCTV and shared on social media. In some cases, riders narrowly avoided collisions with vehicles traveling at high speed.

Public Warnings Before the Ban

The total ban was not imposed overnight. Authorities say they first tried softer enforcement measures, beginning with a public awareness campaign.

Last month, Ajman Police issued a formal warning to scooter riders after multiple social media videos went viral showing reckless behavior — riders zipping through intersections without stopping, ignoring pedestrian right-of-way, and using busy roads without protective equipment.

Despite these warnings, many riders failed to comply. In fact, traffic patrols noted that some violations increased, as riders assumed there would be no real consequence beyond verbal warnings.

After reviewing the situation, Ajman Police concluded that partial restrictions or licensing requirements would not be enough. Instead, they opted for a full, immediate ban to eliminate the risks entirely while alternative safety measures are considered.

What the New Rules Mean

The regulation is clear and leaves little room for exceptions:

• No electric scooters or e-bikes are allowed on public roads, streets, or highways in Ajman.
• The rule applies equally to private owners and rental services.
• Police officers have the authority to fine violators and confiscate vehicles on the spot.
• Enforcement has already started — there is no grace period.

While Ajman Police did not disclose the exact fine amounts, they confirmed that the penalties would be substantial enough to deter violations.

Safety Over Convenience

Officials stressed that road safety is a higher priority than transport convenience. The main goals of the ban are to:

• Prevent collisions between scooters and larger vehicles
• Reduce pedestrian injuries caused by scooters on sidewalks or crossings
• Keep public walkways clear and safe for foot traffic
• Eliminate dangerous driving patterns seen in unregulated scooter use

An Ajman Police spokesperson emphasized:

“The safety of residents and visitors is our highest priority. We cannot allow convenience to come before lives.”

The police have also urged residents to report any violations they witness to help with enforcement.

Mixed Reactions from Residents

The ban has divided opinion among Ajman residents.

Supporters of the ban believe it will make the emirate safer, especially for pedestrians and drivers who have faced sudden encounters with fast-moving scooters.

“I’ve had a scooter cut across the road in front of me while I was driving. If I hadn’t braked in time, there could have been a serious accident,” said Omar Khalid, a long-time resident.

Parents with young children have also expressed relief, saying they no longer have to worry about scooters zipping past on narrow sidewalks.

However, critics of the ban — particularly those who relied on scooters for daily commutes — say the decision makes short-distance travel more difficult.

“It was the quickest and cheapest way for me to get to work,” said Hana Ali, a university student. “Now I have to take the bus, which takes longer and costs more over time.”

Some also worry the ban could impact food delivery services that depend on e-bikes for fast, low-cost operations.

A Broader Trend Across the UAE

Ajman is not alone in addressing electric scooter safety. Other emirates have also introduced regulations, but Ajman’s approach is the strictest so far.

• Dubai has created designated scooter zones and introduced licensing requirements for riders, including mandatory helmet use.
• Abu Dhabi has implemented controlled scooter pilot programs in specific neighborhoods.
• Sharjah has restricted scooter use to certain cycle tracks and prohibited them on major roads.

By contrast, Ajman has opted for a total ban — at least for now — until a safer and more controlled system can be implemented.

Could Scooters Make a Comeback?

Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of allowing scooters in the future under a regulated framework. Potential options could include:

• Dedicated scooter lanes separated from vehicle traffic
• Mandatory rider training and licensing
• Helmet and safety gear enforcement
• Speed limits and geofencing to prevent scooters from entering high-risk areas
• Rental service regulations requiring operators to maintain vehicle safety standards

For now, Ajman residents who previously relied on scooters will need to consider other modes of transportation — such as bicycles, walking, public buses, or private cars.

The Safety Statistics Behind the Decision

While Ajman Police have not released detailed local figures, international studies show a sharp rise in injuries linked to electric scooters. In some cities worldwide, hospitals have reported a 200–300% increase in scooter-related injuries over a span of two years.

Common injuries include:

• Head trauma from falls without helmets
• Fractures and sprains from collisions
• Cuts and bruises from crashes at pedestrian crossings

Police believe that preventing these injuries altogether is more effective than responding to them after they happen.

Ajman’s Long-Term Road Safety Vision

The e-scooter ban fits into Ajman’s broader strategy to improve traffic safety, pedestrian protection, and urban transport planning.

Key elements of this vision include:

• Stricter enforcement of traffic rules across all vehicle categories
• Public education campaigns on safe road behavior
• Infrastructure upgrades to separate different types of traffic
• Collaboration with transport planners and urban designers to reduce accident-prone zones

Balancing Innovation and Safety

Electric scooters represent a modern mobility solution that, when managed correctly, can reduce car usage and cut carbon emissions. However, without proper regulations, they can also introduce new safety hazards.

Ajman’s approach shows that while the emirate is open to innovative transport options, public safety will always come first. If e-scooters return in the future, it will likely be under much stricter conditions than before.