A new video released by Abu Dhabi Police on reckless e-scooter driving has reignited public debate over road safety, rules, and the need for stricter enforcement across the UAE.

The video shows three men in kanduras riding e-scooters in unsuitable public areas, urging residents to stick to designated safe zones. It highlights how careless riding can put pedestrians, drivers, and even the riders themselves at risk.

Close Calls and Dangerous Habits
For some residents, the video hit close to home. Um Saeed, a long-time resident of Jumeirah in Dubai, recalled a frightening moment while walking to the grocery store:

“The rider came out of nowhere from between two parked cars. I barely had time to move.”

She also voiced concern about riders speeding through pedestrian areas, especially near children and elderly people. “Many are distracted-looking at their phones or wearing headphones-and not aware of their surroundings,” she said.

In Ras Al Khaimah, Ahmed Essa Al Mansoori, 45, described an even scarier incident when a child on a scooter darted across the road at night with no lights or safety gear:

“I almost hit him. It was terrifying. These scooters are fast, and there are no rules being followed. Kids weave between cars like it’s a game.”

Ahmed called for clear regulations-including age limits, speed caps, and defined riding zones-along with proper penalties to stop reckless behavior.

The Problem of Unpredictability
In Sharjah, Syed Ahmed said one of the biggest dangers is not knowing what riders will do next:

“They ride so fast it’s hard for drivers or even pedestrians to judge their speed. That unpredictability can easily cause an accident.”

Syed noted that while some riders do follow the rules, many do not-giving all e-scooter users a bad reputation.

Calls for Awareness and Safety
Following the video, Abu Dhabi Police repeated their call for responsible e-scooter use in safe zones only, and urged families and schools to educate children and teens on proper riding habits.

Even young riders see the problem. Youmna Suleiman, a teenager who regularly rides her scooter, recounted a near crash with another rider:

“I thought we’d collide, but I swerved just in time.”

She stressed the importance of using lights after dark and wearing helmets, warning that ignoring these basics puts everyone in danger.

From near misses on quiet streets to nighttime scares on busy roads, UAE residents agree on one thing: without stronger rules and more awareness, reckless e-scooter riding will continue to put lives at risk.