Start of Operation of E-scooters in 10 Districts on Wednesday In Dubai

Starting from Wednesday, April 13, 2022, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the General HQ of Dubai Police announced the start of operation of electric scooters on permitted cycling tracks in 10 districts across Dubai.

The initial phase covers the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai Internet City, Al Rigga, 2nd of December Street, The Palm Jumeirah, and City Walk. It also covers safe roads and tracks within specific zones at Al Qusais, Al Mankhool, and Al Karama, in addition to 167-km long tracks designated for bicycles and scooters across Dubai, excluding the cycling tracks at Saih Assalam, Al Qudra and Meydan,” said Al Tayer.

Obtain permits

By the end of April, RTA will launch through its website (www.rta.ae) a link enabling interested individuals to apply for free to obtain permits for riding e-scooters on safe roads identified by RTA. The process involves attending training courses and passing an online test,” explained Al Tayer.

However, holders of vehicle driving licenses, international driving licenses or motorcycle driving licenses are excluded from obtaining such a permit.

Security and safety requirements

They include wearing reflective vests and helmets, avoiding carrying riders on bicycles and electric bikes unless the bikes have separate seats for them, avoiding pillion riders or anything that causes an imbalance of the e-scooter, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles and pedestrians.

It also states that cyclists should not use their e-bikes on roads with a speed limit of more than 60km per hour, and stick to safe driving and public safety conditions.

Prohibited

According to the Resolution, cyclists below 12 years should be accompanied by an adult cyclist who is 18 years or older. Riders below 16 years are not permitted to ride an electric bike or electric scooter or any other type of bike specified by RTA. A driving permit is essential to ride electric scooters.