ORANJESTAD, Aruba – The Aruba eStep Public Road Ban remains in effect as Justice Minister Arthur Dowers reaffirmed that eSteps are not permitted on public roads under the island’s current legislation.
Minister Dowers said the Government of Aruba remains committed to restoring order in the management of eSteps and eBikes and stressed that the official position has not changed. According to him, eSteps are not currently allowed to participate in public traffic under existing law.
The minister said the present situation developed after years in which, in his view, enforcement and legal oversight were insufficient. He argued that the current government inherited a situation in which activities continued even though they did not have the legal authorizations required to operate.
According to Dowers, this created uncertainty for both business operators and users.
He emphasized that the responsibility of government is to enforce the law and restore order, even when doing so requires difficult decisions.
Dowers stated that no permit, concession or other authorization had been issued allowing a commercial eStep service to operate on public roads in Aruba.
He also stressed that the fact that an activity may have been operating for a period of time does not automatically create a legal right to continue operating if the activity conflicts with current legislation.
The Aruba eStep Public Road Ban is also connected to traffic-safety concerns. Dowers said the original decision to prohibit eSteps was based on recommendations from the Traffic Safety Commission, which raised serious concerns about road safety.
According to the minister, Aruba’s current road infrastructure is not properly adapted for this type of vehicle.
He said the government cannot wait for more serious accidents to occur before taking action and argued that protecting human life must remain a priority.
Dowers also acknowledged that the process of bringing the situation back into compliance with the law is not always simple. Several judicial procedures are currently underway, and he said those proceedings should help provide the legal clarity needed for the government to continue carrying out its responsibilities.
Despite the legal challenges, the minister expressed confidence that the judicial process will clarify the situation and support future enforcement decisions.
The government’s position is therefore that commercial activity involving eSteps on public roads cannot continue without the required legal basis.
Dowers said the objective is not simply to restrict mobility options but to ensure that traffic rules, public safety standards and legal requirements are respected.
The minister also linked the issue to broader efforts to improve order in Aruba’s traffic environment. He said new forms of mobility can create opportunities, but they must operate within a clear legal and safety framework.
The Aruba eStep Public Road Ban will remain the government’s position unless the legal framework changes.
For now, Dowers said the priority is to enforce existing law, protect road users and restore clarity for businesses and consumers.
He concluded that Aruba should not wait until a serious accident forces action. According to the minister, responsible government requires preventive action when there are clear safety and legal concerns.
