Dubai implements ban on E-Scooters in metro and tram, launching AI robot for monitoring

Dubai: Starting today, March 1, commuters in Dubai will face new restrictions as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced a ban on bringing e-scooters into the Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram. This decision, aimed at ensuring commuter safety, was communicated via the RTA's official channels, catching many e-scooter users off guard.

Expressing concern for the safety of commuters, the RTA tweeted the announcement on Thursday evening, stating the prohibition on e-scooters inside the metro and tram would be effective immediately. With the hashtag 'Your safety our priority,' the RTA highlights the importance of adhering to the new regulation.

The sudden implementation left e-scooter riders scrambling, as they were forced to find alternative arrangements for their mode of transport. Some commuters resorted to parking their e-scooters outside metro stations, while others opted to return home, unable to bring their vehicles on board.

To facilitate compliance with the new regulation, staff at Dubai Metro stations were seen politely informing e-scooter riders of the ban, with a public service announcement echoing the message at every station.

In a bid to further enhance road safety and ensure regulatory compliance, Dubai is set to introduce a novel approach. Come March, a smart robot powered by artificial intelligence (AI) will be deployed to monitor bicycle and electric scooter usage in the city. Equipped with advanced AI technology, the robot will detect and report potential violations to the Dubai Police for further action.

This proactive measure aligns with Dubai's ongoing efforts to leverage technological innovations for the greater benefit of road users. By deploying AI-driven solutions, authorities aim to curb violations and promote safer commuting practices across the city's transport network.