The Ministry of Justice, Integration, Public Transport, and Energy, under the leadership of Mr. Arthur Dowers, has issued a final warning via its Facebook page, stating that the use and presence of illegal e-steps, e-bikes, and e-scooters on public roads will no longer be tolerated.
For the Government, development cannot come at the expense of safety, public order, and legal responsibility. Electric vehicles that do not meet legal and technical standards are simply not permitted on Aruba’s roads, sidewalks, or any other public spaces.
Current reality shows that the problem has become a “free for all,” especially in tourist areas. The boardwalk, roads, and areas surrounding hotels are filled with these vehicles, creating dangerous situations for pedestrians and other traffic users.
Minister Dowers considers this situation unacceptable. Order and safety in public spaces are priorities that cannot be compromised and certainly not ignored, as happened during the previous administration.
According to the National Ordinance on Road Traffic (AB 1997 no. 18), all vehicles functioning as motor vehicles (gasoline, diesel, gas, electric, etc.) must comply with technical requirements, registration, and insurance to be on public roads. Based on the General Police Ordinance (APV art. 15 & 23), police may confiscate any vehicle occupying public space without a permit or obstructing traffic.
For Minister Dowers, this decision is not “rocket science” but a decision based on the principle of public safety and respect for our laws. Continuous public warnings for owners to remove these vehicles from public spaces have been ignored, which is a lack of respect for the law.
Minister Dowers’ message was clear: “Remove these vehicles from public roads or the authorities will take them,” and action will now be taken.
