UAE: Lack of insurance for growing population of e-scooters
Source: Middle East Insurance Review | Oct 2024
As the use of e-scooters and e-bikes rises across the UAE, particularly in urban areas, insurers must develop policies tailored to the users of these personal mobility devices, according to Anas Mistareehi CEO eSanad, a digital insurance platform.
Dubai Police recorded over 7,800 traffic violations in the first half of 2024, with 4,474 e-scooters and bicycles seized, as reported by the Khaleej Times. On average, this translates to about 43 traffic violations and 24 e-scooters or bicycles confiscated daily in Dubai. Four people lost their lives in separate accidents involving e-scooters and bicycles during the same period, with 25 injuries reported between January and June 2024. Currently, insurers in the UAE do not offer specific policies for e-scooters and mopeds.
Watania International Holding CEO Gautam Datta said, “At present, due to the absence of regulatory requirements for licensing e-scooters and mopeds, insurance penetration in this segment remains very low in the UAE.”
Mr Mistareehi said, “Rather than waiting for authorities to mandate coverage, insurers should proactively create and introduce new policies that reflect changing lifestyles, such as those for e-scooters and other modern mobility solutions.” M