Expo 2020 Dubai bans use of e-scooters during event

Visitor safety is at the forefront of the decision

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, August 13, 2019.  People using E-scooters at the Al Wahda mall area, downtown Abu Dhabi. --  Sam Soliguen, takes an E-scooter everyday to work at downtown Abu Dhabi.
Victor Besa/The National
Section:  NA
FOR:  Standalone
Powered by automated translation

Electric scooters will be banned from use at the Expo 2020 Dubai site to ensure the safety of visitors.

Officials said the decision was designed to guarantee the “overall visitor experience”.

More than 25 million people are expected at the six-month long event, which begins on October 20 next year.

Some 190 countries will come together to showcase their latest in cutting-edge technology and design.

"For reasons of health and safety and the overall visitor experience, personal mobility vehicles [and] equipment, including motorised e-scooters, will not be allowed on to the Expo site, with the exception of wheelchairs and baby strollers," Expo officials told Arabian Business.

The decision to ban e-scooters at Expo comes just months after authorities in Dubai suspended e-scooter rental companies from operating in the emirate.

In February, the Roads and Transport Authority said the motorised vehicles would be outlawed until further notice.

They said work was being done to assess the legal and technical requirements for their operation in an urban setting.

In Abu Dhabi, transport officials legalised e-scooter rentals in July. Residents can rent the two-wheeled vehicles via their smartphone.