E-scooters banned in schools? What parents and students must know

From sudden lane switching on busy roads to students riding without helmets, the dangers are real — and sometimes tragic

- Nandini Sircar

Across Dubai and other Emirates, incidents involving e-scooters and e-bikes have prompted schools to tighten safety rules.

For many children, the thrill of zipping to school on an electric scooter or e-bike is hard to resist. But across the UAE, schools and parents are increasingly recognising that this excitement can come with serious safety risks.

What started as a fun and convenient way to commute has increasingly become a source of concern, as accidents and near-misses involving young riders grab headlines. From sudden lane switching on busy roads to students riding without helmets, the dangers are real — and sometimes tragic.

Across Dubai and other Emirates, incidents involving e-scooters and e-bikes have prompted schools to tighten safety rules.

In this Q&A, we speak to schools, traffic experts and authorities to help parents navigate the new rules, understand the risks and explore safer alternatives for student commutes.

Many schools have implemented strict bans on motorised personal transport devices. Dubai International Academy - Emirates Hills, for example, now prohibits students from bringing electric scooters, electric bicycles and electric motorbikes onto school premises.

"Across the UAE, there has been a notable increase in serious accidents involving electric scooters, electric bikes and similar motorised vehicles. While many young people use these responsibly, the speed of these devices, limited protective measures and the challenges of sharing roads and pathways with other traffic present an increased level of risk for students of school age," read a DIA circular to parents.

Families were informed that only non-motorised transport, such as bicycles and standard scooters are permitted on campuses from now. Students using these are strongly encouraged to wear helmets and dismount upon arrival at school.