E-scooters are no longer allowed in Dubai metro or tram stations. The ban on scooters in Metro and Tram came after services at the Onpassive Metro station were delayed for about an hour after smoke was detected from an electric scooter. Dubai Police also raised the alarm over the dangers of the irresponsible use of e-scooters and e-bikes across the emirate, as their popularity continues to rise.
But the ban also brings hardships for commuters relying on e-scooters for their transportation to work, home etc. making them spend extra money on transport. jeorge manual, a Cameroonian resident of Qasba in Sharjah, relied on an e-scooter for his commute from his residence to Stadium Metro Station. Carrying his e-scooter with him, he would disembark at Abu Bakr Siddique metro station and continue his journey to his office using the same e-scooter.
However, after the ban on e-scooters on the Metro, Manual has to walk for over 25 minutes from Abu Bakar Siddique metro station to his office. “I work as a security guard at a public organization. I reached the office in just 10 minutes by e-scooter earlier. But now it takes over 25 minutes by walk,” said Manual.
In general used for the short distance between home and the metro station, these electric scooters served as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. Commuters relying on electric scooters for their last-mile journey in Dubai are facing unexpected challenges due to the ban on e-scooters inside Dubai Metro and Tram stations. The ban, which was effective from March 1, left these micro-mobility users scrambling for alternatives.
Several residents are now compelled to opt for more costly options such as taking a cab, which costs around Dh15 to Dh20 per journey. Luiza mamajonouva, a Usbik working as a receptionist at an office in Business Bay has to depend on the cab for her last-mile journey now.
“I spent more than Dh15 for a single trip using a cab from the Business Bay metro station to my office. This means I have to shell out more than Dh350 a month only for the last mile journey. The walk from my home to the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station is just 10 minutes. However, if I choose to walk to the office, it becomes challenging as it takes over 30 minutes,” said Luiza.
