Your handy guide to Careem Bikes in Dubai
If you’re looking for public transport in Dubai, there are many options to consider from buses and taxis to metro and tram. Recently, the Roads and Transport Authority collaborated with Careem to launch Careem Bike in Dubai – a one-of-a-kind bike-sharing service in the emirate.
In 2019, the RTA signed a long term year contract with Careem, based on which the plan was for Careem to install and operate 3,500 bicycles from 350 stations over the next five years.
So far, 1,750 bikes have been placed at 175 stations as part of Phase II. As of February 2022, 1,592 million trips have been completed on Careem Bike. So, the project is considered a roaring success.
HOW DOES CAREEM BIKE WORK?
Anyone looking for bike rentals in Dubai can now use Careem Bike, which employs solar-powered docks and the latest smart systems to ensure smooth operations. These vehicles are operated using pedals and kinetic energy.
To use Careem Bike in Dubai:
- Download the Careem Bike app and create an account.
- Buy a package as per your requirements (details below)
- Head over to the nearest Careem Bike dock in Dubai
- Unlock a bicycle with the QR code in the app
- Enter the 5-digit code from the app into the dock
- Ride away
WHERE ARE CAREEM BIKES STATIONS LOCATED?
Careem Bike stations in Dubai, as stated earlier, are available across the emirate. As of now, there are 78 stations and there will be 350 Careem Bike stations in the next five years.
You can spot Careem bike stations in these areas:
- Expo 2020 Dubai
- Dubai Marina
- Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)
- Barsha Heights (TECOM)
- The Greens
- Dubai Internet City
- Dubai Media City
- Palm Jumeirah
- Deira
- Downtown Dubai
- Jumeirah Beach Road
- Dubai Canal
- Karama
- Mankhool
- Al Qudra
- Umm Suqeim
- Al Quoz
Remember, you can ride Careem smart bicycles at a 30 km/h speed on bicycle tracks, laneways and safe roads only in areas covered by the service.
CAREEM BIKE PRICES AND MEMBERSHIPS
You can rent Careem Bikes in Dubai on a membership basis which are available as yearly, monthly, weekly and daily packages. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store to select the package that suits your needs.
Membership Plan | Price |
|---|---|
Membership Plan Yearly | Price AED 420 |
Membership Plan Monthly | Price AED 75 |
Membership Plan Weekly | Price AED 50 |
Membership Plan Daily | Price AED 20 |
Membership Plan Careem Plus | Price AED 19 (Monthly subscription) |
Please Note:
- These amounts are for the defined period.
- The maximum duration for a ride is 45 minutes. An additional AED 10 charge would apply for every extra 30 minutes.
- With any package, you can take as many 45-minute trips as possible.
- Once you become a member, you can use the service multiple times while your subscription period lasts.
- For any ride session that exceeds the 60-minute time duration, an overtime fee of AED 20 per hour is applicable.
- Users can return the Careem Bike to the nearest Careem Bike stand once the session expires and dock it.
- All Careem Bike users must be at least 15 years old
CAREEM BIKE SAFETY MEASURES
The RTA wants all cyclists using Careem Bike to abide by the safety measures outlined in Executive Resolution 468/2019 and Executive Council’s law 10/2015. According to these laws and regulations, cyclists must:
- Never use bicycles on roads where the top speed is 60 km/h or more.
- Wear a reflective vest and protective helmet.
- Get off the bike on crosswalks.
- Ride while seated on the bicycle seat only.
- Not grab or try to touch a moving vehicle.
- Park cycle in a way that does not cause inconveniences for vehicles and pedestrians.
- Stay on the bicycle track on the right side.
- Keep a safe distance from pedestrians and vehicles.
- Abide by all traffic and road signs.
- Do not use two-ear headsets while cycling.
- Not ride against the traffic.
WHAT ARE THEY SAYING?
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors RTA said that Careem Bikes encourage sustainable means of transportation.
“The bike-rental service advances the sustainability of Dubai and encourages residents and tourists to practice cycling on the 527 km long cycling tracks spread all over Dubai. It also supports RTA’s effort in boosting the integration of mass transit means by promoting flexible car-free mobility trips, and safely integrating them with daily means of transportation. Thus, it serves the overall objective of reducing the use of private vehicles and switching to the use of other more sustainable means of transportation.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT SHOULD I DO IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT?
In case of an accident, you should inform the police at 999 and ambulance services at 998. Riders should also notify Careem Bike Support at +971-4-440-5263.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE CAREEM BIKE IS DAMAGED OR LOST?
You can be charged up to AED 5,000 in either case. It is your legal obligation to keep the bike safe in your possession.
CAN I CARRY THE BIKE BY BUS OR METRO?
You have to dock the bike before getting on the bus or the metro. Get off at the station and pick up another bike within the share service area.
This collaboration between the RTA and Careem, one of Dubai’s top public transport apps, is a step towards greater sustainability. The introduction of an ingenious micro-mobility option has encouraged eco-friendly travelling and improved emirate-wide mobility. Soon, we will see more bikes and locations being added.
Commuting in Dubai is never a problem, even when you don’t have a personal vehicle. Multiple modes of public transport cater to almost every budget. You can save a good chunk of money by using public buses in Dubai. However, booking an RTA taxi is a safer option if you’re short on time. The RTA Dubai taxi fares are clearly defined, so you will always have a clear idea of what your commute will cost you.
Not to mention, the Red Line and Green Line routes of Dubai Metro cover almost all of the main areas in the emirate.
Have you used Careem Bike? Do share your experience in the comments.
