Dubai Police have arrested teenagers who posed a "significant danger" to the public after being caught riding illegally modified electric bikes at speeds of more than 100kph on jogging and walking tracks in the emirate.

The force said legal action was taken against the young bikers, with their parents being summoned by officers to highlight the risks of the reckless behaviour. The offences took place at sports tracks in the Nad Al Sheba area, as well as other parts of Dubai.

Police in Dubai have seized 101 electric bikes and issued 130 fines in the past in an effort tackle the improper use of e-bikes.

“This behaviour poses a serious risk to track users, including athletes and pedestrians, as well as to the young riders themselves,” said Maj Gen Saif Al Mazrouei, assistant commandant for operations affairs at Dubai Police.

He stressed that e-bikes designed for recreational use or limited commutes should not be used on sports tracks and warned people to refrain from altering bikes to increase their speed in a way that makes them comparable to motorcycles. “This poses a significant danger not only to the riders but also to others, and it violates regulations governing their use,” Maj Gen Al Mazrouei added.

He said police patrols conducted extensive field campaigns after complaints from members of the community over teenage riders flouting rules and proving a nuisance in neighbourhoods.

Parents held to account

Maj Gen Al Mazrouei said parental neglect and poor supervision had contributed to a rise in negative behaviour among children. He urged families to take responsibility for educating their children about how to use e-bikes safely, ensuring they stick to designated riding zones and abide by key safety measures such as wearing helmets and reflective vests.

Police said they would continue to carry out awar