DRIVING LICENSE NOW REQUIRED FOR E-SCOOTER IN DUBAI

You will now need a driving license to ride an e-scooter in Dubai. According to the new law, riders below 16 years of age will not be permitted to ride an electric bike or scooter. Those below 12 years must be accompanied by an adult cyclist. Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed shared in a statement that speed limits for cyclists on roads have been set to 60 km/h. The new rules will increase the overall safety of the riders and road users.

Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Intends To Expand E-Scooter Use And Tracks

Until now, e-scooters could only be utilised in five Dubai neighbourhoods during the trial period. Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) intends to expand e-scooter use and tracks to include specified residential areas and 23 more districts in the future. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai Internet City, Al Rigga, 2nd of December Street, The Palm Jumeirah, and City Walk are included in the first phase. It also included safe roads in the communities of Al Qusais, Al Mankhool, and Al Karama.

Electric Scooters Should Not Be Used On Tracks

To avoid mishaps, the RTA has asked the public to refrain from riding electric scooters on rails that are currently under construction. The infrastructure for e-scooters in new districts is progressing as planned. The installation of traffic and directional signs for e-scooters is nearly complete.

E-scooters or any types of bikes can be operated in Dubai only after getting a driving licence permit, authorities have announced. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will issue the licences for e-scooters or any other types of bikes.

These came as Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued a resolution regulating the use of bicycles and e-scooters in Dubai.

E-Scooter Safety Requirements

1. The e-scooter is allowed to operate only on authorised tracks and within stringent limitations.
2. Both the rider and the renter must follow the RTA’s rules and regulations, which are in line with the traffic laws.
3. They regulate the usage of e-scooters and the traffic safety requirements linked with them, such as the wearing of a protective helmet.
4. The e-scooter must be parked in designated areas and not in areas that cause traffic congestion.
5. Riders must exercise caution and avoid endangering other road users.
6. Riders must follow all directions and restrictions pertaining to the locations where e-scooter riding is authorised, as detailed in the apps created for operators.

No further details were announced about the driving licence permits for e-scooter riders.

Minimum age for bikers raised

According to the resolution, cyclists below 12 years should be accompanied by an adult who is 18 or older. Riders below 16 years are not permitted to ride an e-scooter.

“A driving licence is essential to ride electric scooters,” a statement posted on Sheikh Hamdan’s website states.

Traffic rules

Cyclists and bikers should always ride on the right side of the road. Before changing their lane, they should give hand signals and ensure they can make their move safely.

Making major modifications to the bike is not permitted.

Cyclists should not use their bicycles on roads with a speed limit of more than 60kmph. E-bikes and cycles are not allowed on jogging or walking tracks.

“Riders should refrain from cycling carelessly and abide by public safety requirements. Reckless practices that can endanger others’ lives — like hooking to a vehicle while biking — are strictly not permitted.

“One-handed cycling and biking should be strictly avoided except when riders need to use their hands for signalling. Reflective vests and helmets are a must for cyclists and bikers,” the resolution says.

Technical requirements

Bikes should be fitted with a white head lamp in front and a red one and red reflector in the rear. They should have a bell fitted on the steering wheel and brakes on the front and rear tyres. The tyres should be proportional to the size of the bike and fit for use on the roads and cycling tracks designated by the RTA.

The size of the bike used should also be proportional to the size of its rider, according to the resolution.

Pillion riders

They are not permitted on bicycles and electric bikes unless the vehicles have separate seats for them.

Pillion riders or anything that causes an imbalance on an e-scooter is prohibited.

Bikers should ensure they maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and pedestrians. They should also ensure that the bikes are parked in designated spaces (if any). Parking in non-designated areas and causing obstructions to vehicles, pedestrians and users of public space is strictly prohibited.

What to do in case of accidents

In crashes that result in injuries or material damages, riders should report the incident to police, RTA or ambulance services depending on the nature of the incident.

Group cycling

Entities conducting group cycling training (for more than four cyclists) should ensure they have received RTA approval. They should also ensure that they have notified Dubai Police, Dubai Sports Council, UAE Cycling Federation, and Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services about the vehicles used to accompany cyclists to ensure their safety.

Riders of these vehicles should be trained in accordance with RTA’s approved training programmes developed in coordination with the UAE Cycling Federation.

Dubai Police has recently launched an awareness campaign targeting more than 207 bicyclists and e-scooter riders in Jumeirah to educate them about traffic rules and safety instructions for their own safety and the safety of others.

The campaign, which is part of the force’s efforts in implementing the directives of H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai to transform the emirate into a bicycle-friendly city, aims to achieve the Dubai Traffic Safety Strategy and protect the lives of road users, reduce traffic casualties and accidents and ensure public safety.

Colonel Jumaa Salem bin Suwaidan, Acting Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, said that bicyclists and e-scooter riders must comply with the rules and regulations set by relevant authority, abide by traffic rules and instructions, roads and paths designated for this type of transport, and follow related security and safety requirements.

He stressed the conditions of security and safety which bicyclists and e-scooter riders must adhere to include: wearing a proper helmet especially when biking near highways, in addition to wearing a reflective jacket, installing a bright white front and red rear lights reflectors.

“E-scooters and bicycles must be equipped with valid brakes”, Col. bin Suwaidan added.