- E-Scooter Project in Dubai
- How to Rent an E-scooter
- E-Scooter Licence in Dubai
- Guidelines for E-scooter Riders
- FAQs
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced major updates and changes to the guidelines regarding riding e-scooters in Dubai. The areas of the city where e-scooters can be used have been increased to ten. The condition of a driving licence has also been put in place. Let’s take a look at all the changes in detail.
E-SCOOTER PROJECT IN DUBAI
The use of e-scooters has grown exponentially since the initial launch in 2020. After the trial phase, the customer survey reflected 82% satisfaction. Now 2,000 e-scooters are available to the public in Dubai with a focus on providing vehicles near popular tourist spots and public transport links.
Currently, the e-scooter network includes:
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT)
- Dubai Internet City
- Al Rigga
- 2nd of December Street
- Palm Jumeirah
- City Walk
- Al Qusais (Safe roads and tracks in specific zones)
- Al Mankhool (Safe roads and tracks in specific zones)
- Al Karama (Safe roads and tracks in specific zones)
These areas were picked based on their population density, infrastructure, traffic safety records, availability of public transport and private developments.
Four companies are presently allowed to operate the e-scooters in Dubai. The list includes two international companies: Tier and Lime; and two local operators: Arnab and Skurrt.
There are plans to increase the number of covered districts to 23 as part of the UAE Energy Strategy. The aim is to increase the use of clean energy to 50% in the energy mix by 2050.
HOW TO RENT AN E-SCOOTER IN DUBAI?
Whether you want to ride an e-scooter for fun or on your daily commute, you can rent an e-scooter in the designated areas by following a simple process.
Just download the mobile app of any of the operators (Tier, Skurtt, Arnab and Lime), locate the nearest e-scooter and begin your journey.
To rent an e-scooter in Dubai, you must:
- Download the mobile app of any of the operators mentioned above.
- Locate the nearest e-scooter using GPS.
- Once found, scan a QR code on the app to unlock the vehicle.
- Start your ride.
- Once you reach the destination, park your e-scooter at the designated station and stop the meter.
- Make the payment through the app.
Typically, it costs AED 3 to unlock the e-scooter and then you have to pay 50 fils (AED 0.50) per minute for the ride.
E-SCOOTER LICENCE IN DUBAI
In March 2022, H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, approved a new resolution stating that e-scooter riders must have a driving licence from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) if they intend to use the 10 designated streets. However, you don’t need a licence to use an e-scooter on sidewalks or cycling tracks.
Moreover, anyone with a full driving licence, a motorcycle licence or an international driving licence will not need a permit to drive an e-scooter in Dubai. But those who don’t have a licence will have to apply for a permit on the RTA’s newly launched online platform website.
To attain a licence, you will have to attend an awarness training course. This will include details about the locations where you can ride the scooter safely, the condition of the scooter, technical specifications and more.
The entire process is free of charge.
GUIDELINES FOR E-SCOOTERS IN DUBAI
Here are some guidelines that you must consider before renting an electric scooter.
AGE LIMIT FOR E-SCOOTER RIDERS
- The minimum age to ride an e-scooter in Dubai is 16.
- Cyclists under 12 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or above.
- Riders below 16 must not ride an electric scooter/bike or any other type of bike.
E-SCOOTER PARKING IN DUBAI
- E-scooters must be parked in designated spots.
- If there is no designated e-scooter parking nearby, riders must ensure that they park their vehicles responsibly, without hindering traffic or pedestrians. Failing to do so could lead to a fine of AED 200.
RULES ABOUT CLOTHING AND PROTECTIVE GEAR
- E-scooter riders have to be careful about their clothes.
- Clothing with frills or flowy scarves is inappropriate since they may get caught under the wheels.
- You must wear suitable clothes, footwear and a helmet when riding e-scooters.
RULES ABOUT RTA APPROVAL AND TRAINING
- You must get approval from RTA to ride a bike
- Ensure to enrol in training programmes created by RTA in collaboration with the UAE Cycling Federation.
- Those planning to conduct group classes for more than four cyclists need to have RTA approval. They also have to notify Dubai Sports Council, UAE Cycling Federation, Dubai Police and Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services about the cars accompanying the cyclist to ensure their physical safety. The safety car should be at a distance of 15 metres. The training exercise videos have to be recorded from front and back.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR E-SCOOTERS IN DUBAI
Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has also set a few technical specifications for e-scooters. If you wish to use e-scooters, here’s what you should know:
- Dubai e-scooters must have a headlight and taillight to keep the streets safe for riders and pedestrians.
- The maximum speed limit for e-scooters is 20 kph. If a road’s speed limit is above 60, it’s off-limits for e-scooters.
- Both front and rear wheels of the e-scooters must have functioning brakes.
- Vehicles should also be GPS-tagged to remain within the designated e-scooter areas in Dubai.
- One-handed biking or cycling is not permissible until motorcyclists have to make a signal using hand gestures.
- Carrying passengers on a bike should be avoided at all costs unless there is a dedicated seat for passengers.
- Riders are not allowed to drive on jogging or walking tracks
OTHER RULES FOR E-SCOOTER RIDERS
The RTA has introduced several e-scooter rules in Dubai to protect riders and other pedestrians from accidents.
- E-scooter riders must stick to their designated areas/lanes while riding in the city.
- It is necessary to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and pedestrians.
- E-scooter riders should be mindful of maintaining balance when riding the vehicle. They must not carry any heavy objects or have additional riders, which may lead to accidents.
- E-scooter riders must avoid wearing headphones or earphones during the rides.
- It is essential to follow all the road signs and traffic rules while riding an e-scooter.
- Riders report all minor and major accidents to the authorities, even if no damage is done.
- Residents must not ride their vehicles in an unsafe manner.
PENALTY
- In case of failure to abide by the laws and regulations, rides will be subject to penalties.
- Repeated violations within one year may end up in the confiscation of a bike for thirty days or a temporary ban.
- If a biker is under 18, parents or legal guardians are liable to pay penalties.
FAQS ABOUT ABOUT E-SCOOTER SERVICE IN DUBAI
CAN YOU RIDE A E-SCOOTER IN PUBLIC PARKS?
As per the recent Dubai Municipality announcement, using electric scooters in public parks is not allowed. E-scooter service in Dubai is still limited to the aforementioned designated areas.
While riding e-scooters in designated cycling tracks is allowed, there are some which are off-limits like Nad Al Sheba, Al Qudra and Meydan.
WHICH COMPANIES OFFER E- SCOOTER RENTAL IN DUBAI TO THE PUBLIC?
Tier, Lime, Arnab and Skurrt offer electric scooters for rent to the public.
WHAT IS THE E-SCOOTER PRICE IN DUBAI?
On average, the cost of buying an e-scooter in Dubai ranges between AED 1,700 and AED 3,000.
That’s a wrap to our guide about e-scooters in Dubai. E-scooter rental in Dubai is undoubtedly a positive development and a step in the right direction. Pollution is a huge problem worldwide, therefore e-Scooter rental in Dubai is a small gesture in the much-needed battle against climate change.
During the cooler months, residents can also enjoy riding bicycles for exercise, leisure and commuting short distances. Visit your favourite Dubai bike shops to find different models for various terrains and purposes.
If you only need a bicycle for a short time, you can get one from these bike rental services in Dubai. You can also use Careem bike in Dubai to rent bicycles in various locations within the city. Some people enjoy skateboarding. But remember that even skateboarding in Dubai is only allowed in specific spaces.
Residents can also check out Dubai’s top public transport apps to plan their journeys using the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram and bus.
