All about the laws for e-scooters and mopeds in Dubai
- Locations for E-Scooters in Dubai
- Law About E-Scooter Licence in Dubai
- E-Scooter Rules & Regulations
- FAQs
The UAE government has undertaken many initiatives to reduce the country’s carbon footprint, including introducing e-scooters in Dubai. Along with the rollout of these environmentally-friendly vehicles, it became necessary to instigate laws for e-scooters and mopeds in Dubai. This article details those laws and the implications for riders across the emirate.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has updated regulations for bringing e-scooters on Dubai’s Metro and Tram to improve your commute. Always fold your e-scooter and store it in designated areas. Riding e-scooters inside stations is strictly prohibited. Visit RTA’s official website for more information on e-scooter rules and safety.
LOCATIONS FOR E-SCOOTERS AND MOPEDS IN DUBAI
As per the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)’s official website, e-scooters in Dubai are allowed in these locations:
- 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)
- Al Twar 1
- Al Twar 2
- Umm Suqeim 3
- Al Garhoud
- Muhaisnah 3
- Umm Hurair 1
- Al Safa 2
- Al Barsha South 2
- Al Barsha 3
- Al Quoz 4
- Nad Al Sheba 1
Also, the total track length dedicated to e-scooters is 390 km.
Almost 2,000 e-scooters are available for rent in the city. To unlock the e-scooter, you must pay AED 3 plus AED 0.5 (50 fils) for every minute you use it. Also, depending on the chosen model, you can buy e-scooters in Dubai for AED 1,300 to AED 3,000. Similarly, there are companies offering e-scooter repair services in Dubai.
Riding e-scooters on designated cycling tracks in Dubai is allowed. However, some tracks, such as Nad Al Sheba, Meydan and Al Qudra, are off-limits.
LAWS FOR E-SCOOTERS AND MOPEDS IN DUBAI: E-SCOOTER LICENCE IN DUBAI:
As per the new resolution approved by H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, e-scooter riders who plan to use the designated streets must have an RTA driving licence to drive two-wheelers in Dubai. However, you will not need a licence to ride your e-scooter on the sidewalks or cycling tracks.
Similarly, if you have a full driving licence, an international driving licence or a motorcycle licence, you can ride e-scooters on the designated streets.
However, if you don’t have a licence, you can apply through RTA’s online platform. Applicants have to undergo an awareness training course, which includes technical specifications, places where you can ride the scooter, standards of the scooters, associated traffic signs and rider’s obligations. There are no charges for this service. Also, the permit doesn’t have a specified validity period.
ELECTRIC SCOOTER RULES IN DUBAI
The RTA has implemented rules and regulations for e-scooters in Dubai that cover everything from minimum age limitations to safety. Here’s a quick overview to give you a better idea.
MINIMUM AGE FOR E-SCOOTER RIDING
- Cyclists must be at least 16 years to ride an e-scooter in Dubai.
- Cyclists under 12 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or above.
- Riders below 16 cannot ride an electric scooter/bike or any other type of bike.
RULES ABOUT RTA APPROVAL
- RTA’s approval is required to ride an e-scooter, even for training purposes.
- Riders should opt for RTA’s approved training programmes created in collaboration with the UAE Cycling Federation.
- Those conducting group classes for more than four people must get RTA approval. Furthermore, they must notify the Dubai Police, Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services and UAE Cycling Federation about the cars driving alongside the riders. The purpose is to ensure the safety of the riders in case of an accident. The safety car has to maintain a distance of 15 metres. Plus, the training exercises have to be recorded from both ends.
MONITORING
RTA has launched a new AI-based monitoring system for e-scooters and other non-motorised means of transport. In the initial stage, four e-scooter operators have come on board and this initiative will bring e-scooters under RTA’s Enterprise Command and Control Centre (EC3). The purpose is to ensure safety for all involved.
RULES ABOUT PENALTY
- Failure to follow the laws and regulations can subject riders to penalties. Riding an e-scooter without a licence can lead to a fine of AED 200.
- Repeated violations within one year may lead to the confiscation of a bike for a month or a temporary ban. If a biker is under 18, fines must be paid by parents or legal guardians.
- You can only park the e-scooter in a designated spot. As per the laws for e-scooters and mopeds in Dubai, if an e-scooter hinders pedestrians or traffic, you could be fined AED 200.
SAFETY MEASURES
- The speed limit for e-scooters in Dubai is 20 kph. Bikes are not allowed on roads where the maximum speed limit is 60 kph or more.
- All Dubai e-scooters should have a headlight, taillight, horn fixed on the steering arm and functional brakes.
- The tyres must be proportional to the bike’s size.
- Riding on jogging or walking tracks is not allowed.
- Riders should avoid one-handed biking or cycling except when making a signal using hand gestures.
- Carrying passengers is prohibited unless bikes have a separate passenger compartment/seat.
- Riders must wear a protective helmet, shoes and appropriate gear.
- Clothing that might get caught on the wheels should be avoided.
- Headphones and earphones are to be avoided.
- Park at designated places only.
- Riders must avoid blocking pedestrian or vehicle movement.
- Leave a safe distance between e-scooters, bikes and pedestrians.
- As per the e-scooter laws Dubai 2022, all e-scooters must be GPS-tagged to remain within the designated e-scooter areas.
- Riders are not allowed to carry something that could imbalance the e-scooter.
- Riders must maintain a safe distance between e-scooters, bikes and pedestrians.
- Observe the traffic signs.
- Riders must report any incident to the RTA or the police.
- Dual headsets are forbidden.
- All riders must abide by the dedicated tracks’ regulations, guidelines and warning signs.
- Inform RTA or the police if an accident occurs, even if it did not cause any harm to others.
- Adhere to all the safety conditions while driving an e-scooter.
- Dismount the scooter while crossing the pedestrian crossings and abide by traffic and traffic laws.
- Failure to comply with the safety instructions and stipulations will be treated as a violation of Federal Traffic Law.
- Riders should use the right side of the road. If you intend to change lanes, hand signals should be made.
FAQS ABOUT ELECTRIC SCOOTER RULES IN DUBAI
WHICH COMPANIES ARE OFFERING E-SCOOTERS IN DUBAI?
Skurtt, Lime, Arnab and Tier offer electronic scooter services in Dubai in selected areas.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT FOR AN E-SCOOTER IN DUBAI?
According to the official RTA website, the speed limit for e-scooters in Dubai is 20 kph. Make you follow electric scooter law in Dubai.
This wraps up our guide to e-scooters and mopeds laws in Dubai introduced by the RTA. E-scooter laws in Dubai are being enforced for your safety. So, make sure to follow them diligently.
Bicycles are a good option if you’d prefer energy-friendly ways to explore Dubai. Residents and visitors can get a bicycle from these bike rental services in Dubai. Similarly, Careem Bike in Dubai is another option to rent bicycles.
Those who wish to use public transport can download public transportation apps in Dubai to plan their journey. The apps are equally helpful for tourists exploring top city attractions on a budget.