August 18, 2025 | Ajman, UAE: The Ajman e-scooter ban has left many local residents with mixed feelings. For some, it feels like losing a handy, affordable way to get around town. For others, it brings peace of mind, knowing that their evening walks or school runs may now feel a little safer. Either way, the decision by Ajman Police to stop all e-scooter use on public roads has stirred plenty of conversation across the city.

And while the Ajman e-scooter ban may sound sudden, authorities say it was the result of mounting concerns after hundreds of accidents and heartbreaking fatalities made it clear something had to change.

Why Ajman Banned e-scooters?

In just one year, Ajman saw over 250 accidents involving scooters and bicycles, with 10 people tragically losing their lives. Behind these numbers are real families whose loved ones never came home. Authorities say that while most scooter riders try to be responsible, a small group often rode against traffic, ignored signals, or zoomed around without helmets. That was enough to create chaos on roads already busy with cars and pedestrians.

Dr Eng. Mustafa Aldah, a traffic safety consultant, believes the Ajman e-scooter ban is more than just a rule, it’s a life-saving intervention. “One serious accident is enough to ripple through an entire community. We can’t put a price on someone’s life,” he explained.

Near Misses That Still Haunt Residents

For Ajman resident Asha Jamal, the announcement brought back a scary memory. “Last Ramadan, I was walking home after prayers when an e-scooter came straight at me from the wrong side. I froze. Luckily, nothing happened but for a few seconds, my heart was in my throat,That’s when I realised how dangerous they could be,” said Asha.

Another resident, Parveen Backer, described a moment that could have ended in disaster. “A teenager, maybe 15, suddenly shot out from a corner on his scooter. If the driver nearby had been going just a little faster, it would have been tragic. That image still plays in my head.”

Stories like these are common, and for many, they explain why the Ajman e-scooter ban was inevitable.

A Ban That Touches Everyday Lives

Of course, for some, the ban feels like losing a lifeline. Many delivery workers, students, and even household staff relied on scooters as their cheapest way to get around. Asha mentioned how her household help used to commute daily on one. “He’s upset. The scooter was affordable for him. But at the end of the day, we both agree it’s better to find another way than risk his safety. He’s now thinking of selling it.”

The Ajman e-scooter ban has also made people rethink how cities can balance convenience with safety. Some believe regulated scooter zones, instead of a blanket ban, could have been a middle ground. But for now, Ajman residents are adjusting, even if it means catching a bus, carpooling, or walking a little more.

Looking at the Bigger Picture

Experts say this move may inspire other emirates to re-examine their own rules. Vulnerable road users pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders make up a large share of traffic casualties. The Ajman e-scooter ban sends a strong message: protecting lives comes first.

Dr Aldah adds that in places where scooters are still allowed, education is vital. “Reflective jackets, helmets, and basic road knowledge are non-negotiable. Too many young riders get on scooters without realising how risky it is,” said Dr Aldah.

The Ajman e-scooter ban might have taken away a convenient ride for some, but it’s also given parents, pedestrians, and drivers a sense of relief. This decision reminds us that roads are shared spaces and a reckless moment can change lives forever. As residents slowly adapt, the hope is simple: fewer accidents, safer streets, and a community where everyone feels a little more secure when they step outside their door.

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