Teen Races E-Bike at 100km/h in Dubai; Police Launch Major Crackdown
A teenager riding a modified E-bike at over 100 km/h has triggered a major crackdown by Dubai Police. Authorities have seized 101 electric bikes and scooters over the past week to target unsafe and illegal use. The teen was spotted on a public road without protective gear or a vehicle plate.
Traffic police said the E-bike was illegally modified, enabling speeds more than double the legal limits. This case is not isolated. Officials report a sharp rise in accidents involving E-bikes, especially in residential areas and near schools.
Speed and Modifications Make E-Bikes Dangerous
Dubai Police confirmed that many of the confiscated bikes had been altered to bypass built-in speed restrictions. Some exceeded 80 km/h, despite safety standards capping most models at around 20-25 km/h. Several vehicles were stripped of safety features like lights, reflectors, and functioning brakes.
Police found modified batteries and hacked controllers that turned standard bikes into high-speed road threats. Authorities say these vehicles have been involved in numerous collisions, especially with pedestrians. In 2022, more than 30 injuries in Dubai were linked to unsafe or illegally operated personal mobility devices.
Many of the bikes were being used by underage riders in unauthorized areas. Some had no prior training or awareness of traffic laws.
Crackdown Expands to Key Hotspots
The enforcement campaign has focused on areas flagged by residents through police and municipality hotlines. Inspections took place in school zones, commercial hubs, and neighborhoods with high foot traffic.
Police reported that several riders fled when stopped, abandoning their bikes on roads or sidewalks. In some cases, patrol units found multiple bikes hidden inside delivery vans or small warehouses. Dubai’s traffic division said this is part of a broader operation to regulate the growing use of electric mobility.
Plans are to expand legal riding zones and license higher-speed vehicles. Until then, unregistered or modified E-bikes on public roads remain a violation. Fines, impoundment, and criminal charges can apply depending on the severity of the case.
Regulations Still Catching Up
While demand for E-bikes grows, regulations are still evolving. Dubai currently permits certain models in designated areas, such as cycling tracks and low-traffic zones. Authorities are reviewing proposals for formal rider training, registration, and speed governance technology.
Industry experts say unregulated imports and DIY modifications are fueling safety issues across the city. Retailers selling high-speed bikes without warnings or proper specifications may also face investigation. Dubai Police emphasized the need for accountability not just from riders, but across the supply chain.
Conclusion
Dubai’s seizure of 101 E-bikes in a single week highlights a mounting public safety concern. As electric mobility grows, so do the risks of unchecked speed, illegal modification, and enforcement gaps.
Authorities say investigations will continue as they push to align regulations with real-world use. What’s your opinion on the Dubai Police launching a major crackdown against E-bikes? Let us know in the comments below. Keep following the Arabwheels Blog for more content like this.