Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) conducted a site visit of Circ’s operations at the Corniche, as the popularity of e-scooters among the various segments of the community increases due to its ease of use and positive contribution to the environment. Circ is the first regulator-approved to deploy e-scooters in the UAE and broader Middle East.
Abdullah Alaryani, Director of Traffic Studies Department at the Integrated Transport Centre, says: “The Centre aims to enhance cooperation with private sector companies to diversify the mobility options in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and provide sustainable and environmentally friendly means of transport. Diversified, integrated and sustainable transport in the Emirate facilitates the daily movement of residents and contributes to both reducing traffic congestion and improving the quality and safety of services provided to the community.”
“This service, which was launched under the slogan of ‘the first and last mile’, enables members of the community to reach their final destination in a fast and economical way as e-scooters are an effective, easy and environmentally friendly means of transport for short daily work and entertainment commutes. It also links easily to public transport busses and commercial centers, as well as residential and recreational areas.”
Alaryani advised that local and international companies wishing to engage in e-scooter services in Abu Dhabi can do so by obtaining the necessary license and no objection certificates from the ITC and other concerned parties. Providers should work within the established requirements that aim primarily to maintain the security and safety of the community members, including: Using e-scooters only in designated places and tracks, away from the streets and transit vehicles; not disrupting the flow of lanes or affecting the level of safety on the road; and parking e-scooters in the designated areas. Companies will be able to offer services on pedestrian and bicycle paths during the first phase that includes the Corniche and Khalifa Street in Abu Dhabi.
Circ e-scooters have been strategically placed near public transport stops and frequent mobility sites to facilitate multimodal journeys and reduce traffic congestion from private vehicles. Jaideep Dhanoa, Circ MENA Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, says: “The growing need for micro-mobility transport solutions in the UAE and wider Middle Eastern region underscores the need for light, diverse and sustainable mobility solutions. In the first month of operations we have seen thousands of consumers enjoying our service, with 0% reported incidents in the designated areas of use across the Corniche, Al Danah and Al Bateen areas where we currently operate.”
The pioneering design of the e-scooters, customised to tolerate the GCC road and weather conditions, feature larger wheels and a wider base for better stability and control. Circ’s scooters are equipped with additional elements to offer a convenient rider experience, such as a phone holder to provide a safe ride while navigating the map, and a bag holder for personal effects. The company also offers comprehensive insurance for all rides, including personal accident, 3rd party liability and product liability coverage. Circ’s holistic approach to safety has ensured that there have been no incidents reported amongst users of the scooters in Abu Dhabi.
Bader Al Kalooti, Circ MENA Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer finds, “We have always maintained a close relationship with regulators in the cities where we operate, to have a better understanding of the municipal objectives and consumers needs to constantly tailor our services specifically to each market we operate in. In this instance, we are excited to work closely with the Integrated Transportation Centre to implement new and futuristic mobility solutions for the benefit of Abu Dhabi.”
The Circ experience begins by downloading the app, highlighting the closest scooter available to rent. The user can then ride within the service areas, inclusive of cycle paths, wide sidewalks and local streets, finally parking the scooters responsibly anywhere within the service area. For consumers new to e-scooters or facing unexpected issues, Circ provides a local Help Center through the phone numbers printed on the scooter and available to view via the in-app chat room.
