Riding an electric scooter in Dubai now requires a permit from the authorities in a major change to traffic rules.
The Dubai government said new regulations were issued on March 31 to improve public safety.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, approved a resolution further reaffirming existing rules on the use of bicycles and helmets.
Anyone riding an e-scooter or any other type of e-bike must have a driver’s license issued by the Roads and Transport Authority.
No details have been released about how to obtain the license — or whether an exam will be required. A government statement suggested the change was immediate.
Authorities have yet to clarify whether tourists can use the e-scooters.
Accidents involving e-scooters have risen steadily over the last year, including fractures and head injuries. Laws regarding the use of helmets when riding bicycles and any other two-wheeled equipment have been in place since 2010, but are often ignored.
Dubai Police said last month that several “serious accidents” had been recorded in recent months, while the RTA recently said it would regulate the use of e-scooters “as strictly as vehicles”.
Strengthen existing rules
The government resolution further reiterates existing rules governing bicycle use, which cannot be used on roads with a speed limit of 60km/h or more.
Cyclists should not ride on jogging or walking trails.
Reckless behavior that could endanger safety, such as riding a bicycle with your hands on a car, is prohibited.
Riding with one hand should be strictly avoided unless the rider needs to use their hands to signal.
Reflective vests and helmets are a must.
Passengers are not allowed unless the bike has a separate seat.
minimum age
The resolution states that cyclists under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult cyclist aged 18 or over.
Riders under the age of 16 are not allowed to operate e-bikes or e-scooters or any other type of bicycle as designated by the RTA. A driver’s license is essential to ride an electric scooter.
Cycling or cycling without RTA approval for group training (more than four cyclists/cyclists) or individual training (less than four) is prohibited.
Riders should always make sure they are not obstructing the bike lane.
to punish
There may be penalties for failing to obey laws and regulations regarding cycling or endangering the safety of other cyclists, vehicles and pedestrians.
These include the confiscation of bicycles for 30 days, the prevention of repeat violations within a year of the first violation, and a ban on cycling for a specified period.
If the violation is committed by a person under the age of 18, his or her parent or legal guardian will be responsible for paying any fines.
Failure to pay the fine will result in the confiscation of the bike (similar to the confiscation of vehicles).