Safety expert highlights a major e-scooter mistake behind UAE crashes.
Dubai: E-scooters have become a common sight on UAE roads and cycle paths, but their growing popularity has also led to a rise in collisions involving cars. When such accidents occur, many riders and drivers remain uncertain about liability, insurance coverage and how compensation is handled.
At the same time, authorities have reported an increase in crashes linked to unsafe riding, illegal modifications and failure to use designated lanes.
With e-scooters now widely used and recent incidents drawing attention to the risks, it is increasingly important for both motorists and riders to understand how fault is determined, what typically causes these accidents and the key safety issues involved.
Who is liable when an e-scooter damages a car?
If an e-scooter rider causes damage to a vehicle, the responsibility typically lies with the rider.
Hitesh Motwani, Deputy CEO of InsuranceMarket.ae, explained that private e-scooters in the UAE are not required to carry third-party insurance. As a result, compensation in such cases often becomes a civil matter between the parties involved.
In every incident, the police report is what determines fault.
“Once liability is established, the vehicle owner can pursue compensation directly from the rider or through any personal liability cover the rider may already have. The process mirrors any other road incident — file the police report, determine fault, and move toward settlement,” said Hitesh Motwani, Deputy CEO of InsuranceMarket.ae.
What if the driver is at fault?
“If a motorist is responsible for injuring an e-scooter rider, the driver’s motor insurance generally covers legal liability, including medical costs, compensation for the injured rider and vehicle damage,” Motwani added.
This follows the standard motor insurance claims process.
Hitesh Motwani added that a rider’s lack of insurance does not affect their right to compensation if they are not at fault.
Does motor insurance cover accidents involving e-scooters?
All UAE motor insurance policies include third-party liability cover. This means that if a driver is at fault, damage or injury caused to an e-scooter rider is typically covered under their policy.
Where things become more complex is when the e-scooter rider causes the damage.
- Third-party policies: Do not cover damage to a vehicle caused by an e-scooter
- Comprehensive policies: Usually cover vehicle repairs, subject to deductibles and policy terms
“The liability still remains with the rider, but comprehensive cover gives the vehicle owner a way to repair their car without waiting for reimbursement,” said Hitesh Motwani, Deputy CEO of InsuranceMarket.ae.
Why dedicated e-scooter insurance is becoming necessary
There is currently no widely available standalone insurance product for private e-scooter owners in the UAE. While some rental operators may include liability coverage, most private riders do not have personal protection.
With usage rising and more accidents being reported, Hitesh Motwani of InsuranceMarket.ae said there is clear scope for structured insurance solutions.
“A basic level of protection would benefit both riders and other road users, particularly in terms of third-party liability and personal accident cover,” he said.
Why e-scooter and car accidents happen
Police and transport authorities have repeatedly flagged unsafe riding behaviour as a major cause of serious crashes. One of the most dangerous habits, according to experts, is riding against the flow of traffic.
Thomas Edelmann, Founder and Managing Director of RoadSafetyUAE, told Gulf News that this behaviour creates unexpected conflict points for drivers.
He recalled an incident involving his wife: “She was merging onto a road and scanning oncoming traffic from the left when a scooter suddenly came in from the right, riding against traffic.”
He said he witnessed a similar collision involving an SUV and an e-scooter rider shortly afterwards, underscoring how common such risky situations have become.
“We often see e-scooter riders without helmets or protective gear, riding almost anywhere, going against traffic, failing to dismount at pedestrian crossings, riding without lights at night, carrying passengers or cargo, and even riding below the legal age of 16,” said Thomas Edelmann, Founder and Managing Director of RoadSafetyUAE.
He added that the daily nature of commuting makes road safety especially critical.
Other common violations include:
- Riding without a helmet or protective gear
- Not dismounting at pedestrian crossings
- Riding without lights at night
- Carrying passengers or heavy bags
- Riding below the legal age of 16
- Riding on main roads
- Exceeding speed limits
Thomas Edelmann of RoadSafetyUAE stressed that failing to dismount at pedestrian crossings and riding at night without proper lighting are among the biggest contributors to e-scooter and car collisions.
The need for better education and clear infrastructure
Improving safety will require a mix of awareness, education and better infrastructure.
“We need clear guidance on walkways that accommodate both pedestrians and micro-mobility, with proper markings and signage. Schools should also teach children the rules and ensure they are enforced around school zones,” said Thomas Edelmann of RoadSafetyUAE.
He also highlighted the role of rental e-scooter operators, which are widely used across the UAE.
“There are cases of people riding rental e-scooters without helmets. Operators should share responsibility and ensure regulatory rules are followed,” said Thomas Edelmann of RoadSafetyUAE.
He added that both riders and companies must take responsibility, noting that many users ignore traffic and safety regulations, making it essential for operators to actively enforce compliance.
The bottom line
When an e-scooter and a car collide in the UAE, the police report determines fault, and liability follows the same principles as any other road incident. Motor insurance typically covers e-scooter riders when the driver is at fault, but gaps remain when the rider causes the damage.
As e-scooter use continues to grow, experts such as Thomas Edelmann and Hitesh Motwani say clearer regulations, improved infrastructure and discussions around mandatory insurance may be needed to better protect all road users.
