Electric scooter (e-scooter) riders in Doha, Qatar are being reminded to follow traffic safety rules to ensure their safety and that of other road users. According to Traffic Awareness Officer Lieutenant Hamad Salem Al Nahab, e-scooter riders must adhere to the same requirements as cyclists, including wearing helmets and ensuring their scooters have lights on the front and back. In addition, riders are required to wear reflective vests that are visible to other road users and use designated areas on the roads, such as sidewalks or the side of the road crossing, just like cyclists do.
When it comes to recording violations or accidents involving e-scooters, Al Nahab explained that the process is similar to that of bicycles. If an e-scooter rider causes an accident, they will be held responsible for any damages to the second party. The General Directorate of Traffic has also started recording violations against delivery motorcyclists who fail to use the right lane of roads, with fines of QR500 being imposed on those who do not comply with this rule. This initiative is in line with the Ministry of Interior’s fourth strategic goal of reducing the number of deaths, road accidents, and resulting damage.
In addition to adherence to traffic safety rules, there are technical requirements for delivery motorbikes in Qatar. These include having a red reflector on the back of the delivery box, yellow reflectors on both sides, a fiber construction for the box instead of iron, blunt corners, and the presence of the delivery company’s logo on the motorbikes. Al Nahab emphasized the importance of respecting motorbikes as a legitimate mode of transportation on the road, urging motorists to understand and comply with these regulations to ensure the safety of all road users.
Al Nahab stressed the importance of increasing traffic awareness among road users to reduce accidents and injuries. He highlighted the role that following instructions and directions on the road plays in preventing traffic accidents. By avoiding wrong traffic behaviors and respecting all modes of transportation, including e-scooters and delivery motorbikes, road users can contribute to a safer road environment for everyone. The General Directorate of Traffic is committed to enforcing these regulations and ensuring that road users in Qatar follow traffic safety rules to prevent accidents and reduce injuries.
