Dubai More and more New Dubai residents are taking to two-wheelers as an alternative commuting option to beat daily traffic snarls in the area.
“I was getting frustrated with the daily traffic situation around Dubai Marina. I came across a good offer on a scooter and decided to buy one. It’s convenient, easy to manoeuvre and I don’t get stuck in traffic jams,” said British expat Adam Ridgway.The JBR resident ditched his Audi car for a scooter last year and has since clocked 20,000 km on his two-wheeler. “Its saves thousands of dirhams in petrol and maintenance costs,” he said.
French entrepreneur Abdel Samad, who lives in Dubai Marina, also prefers the scooter over a car. “It is convenient and cheap. A full tank (about three gallons) costs me just Dh10 and it lasts me for an about a week,” he reasoned.
Scooter dealers are also enticing residents by offering them special discounts.
Vespa dealers Dusejamoto, for instance, are giving a Dh1,000 discount to new Dubai residents along with free insurance and registration. Shivani Sharma Duseja, Director, Dusejamoto said people who wish to avail the offer need to produce a copy of their lease agreement or other proof that they live in New Dubai.
Within a week of announcing the discount, Vespa has sold 15 scooters. Shivani said 12 of these buyers were from Dubai Marina and Tecom.
“Every year we pick communities where we think two-wheelers could make a difference to residents and offer them special discounts. From our research we found out that most New Dubai residents work close to their homes. A two-wheeler is the best option for them to overcome traffic gridlocks,” she said.
The cost of a Vespa scooter ranges from Dh19,000 to Dh30,000.
