* Electric Scooter Qatar (ESQ), the first and largest electric scooter community in the country has more than 3.500 members
While the number of motor vehicle users continue to grow in Doha, Electric Scooter Qatar (ESQ) never fails to remind its thousands of members to be responsible and abide by traffic rules and regulations.
“We always tell our members to ride safely, use safety gears, and follow traffic rules at all times,” ESQ founder Rommel Ardenio said.
Founded in 2018, ESQ is the first and largest electric scooter community in the country with more than 3,500 members. It has been on the forefront of promoting and raising awareness on responsible e-scooter riding in Qatar.
The group, through its Facebook page and at various meet ups and weekly rides, has been continuously educating the public on the importance of road safety, and mandatory and proper use of safety gears to prevent accidents.
While using environment-friendly motor vehicles such as e-scooters has its benefits and advantages, the group also reiterates that reckless riding can lead to accidents, which were earlier reported by Hamad Medical Corporation.
ESQ member Jay Ar Yumul echoed Ardenio’s view saying that ESQ was formed to unite e-scooter riders in Qatar and “one of our goals is to have and maintain ‘a good and
law-abiding riding community’”.
He said being a responsible e-scooter rider has its numerous rewards as well – the joy of roaming around not only in Doha but across the country safely, injury-free, and without being held for violations.
Yumul added that he, along with two other ESQ members, had the opportunity to “conquer north of Qatar” using their e-scooters – starting from Doha Festival City to Maroona beach before going to Al Ruwais.
The trio had a short stop at Arsan cafe, the former Al Ruwais Old Police Station which has become a popular destination for many residents, before going back home.
With the help of ESQ members and compatriots, as well as a number of establishments such as supermarkets and eateries, they were able to charge their scooters for their next journey.
“We are very thankful to those who helped us. We were able to visit heritage sites such as the Al Zubara Fort as well. We also passed by Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor and took the Olympic Cycling Lane on our way back home in Al Sadd,” Yumul said. “The north of Qatar ride was also one of our goals and were very happy to have completed it.
Apart from long rides, it is learnt that several ESQ teams are also holding regular meet ups and rides this summer, but mostly in the evening to avoid the searing temperatures.
All e-scooter enthusiasts are welcome to join the group regardless of nationality, religion, age, and race. The ESQ Facebook page also provides a forum related to e-scooters, in addition to educating novice and experienced riders.