Dubai: E-scooters and Other Forms of Bikes Require License

(WAM) H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council announced a law regulating the use of bicycles and electric bikes and scooters in Dubai.

The RTA will also issue licences for electric-scooters or any other form of bikes in accordance with the decisions issued by RTA’s Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors.

Furthermore, the Authority is tasked with developing specifications regarding the use of bikes in Dubai and outlining the requirements for training on bikes in groups.

Bikes and Cyclists 

The Resolution also stipulates that bikes should be fitted with a white head lamp in front and a red lamp and red reflector in the rear. They should also 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 RTA. The size of the bike used should also be proportional to the size of its rider.

According to the Resolution, cyclists (or bikers) should respect traffic regulations and ride their bikes only on RTA’s designated tracks. They should not ride electric scooters, or any other type of bikes as specified by the Authority (RTA) without receiving a permit (driving license permit). Electric scooters provided for rentals by companies or individuals should only be used in the areas and tracks designated for them by RTA. Riders of electric bikes and electric scooters should respect the speed limits set by the Authority.

Cyclists should not use their bicycles on roads with a speed limit of more than 60km per hour, and cyclists and bikers should not use their bikes and e-scooters on jogging or walking tracks. They should refrain from cycling carelessly and abide by public safety requirements. Reckless practices that can endanger others’ lives and safety like hooking to a vehicle while biking are stringently 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. Pillion (Carrying) riders are not permitted on bicycles and electric bikes unless the bikes have separate seats for them.

Pillion riders or anything that causes an imbalance on an e-scooter is prohibited. Pillion (carry) riders should also respect the safety requirements set by RTA. Bikers should ensure they maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and pedestrians. They should also ensure that the bikes are parked in designated parking spaces (if any). Parking in non-designated areas and causing obstructions to vehicles, pedestrians and users of public space is strictly prohibited.

Accidents

In case of accidents that result in injuries or material damages, riders should report the incident to police and (or) RTA or ambulance services depending on the nature of the incident (unless they provide evidence for not being able to report). 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. It is the responsibility of all riders to ensure brakes and tyres of the bikes are in good condition, Flashing and steady lighting should be used as per RTA’s requirements. Bikes should not be towed by any vehicle and the bikes themselves should not be used to tow other objects. Making major modifications to the bike is also not permitted.

Group cycling training

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.

The safety vehicle should maintain a safe distance of 15 metres from the cyclists in case the cyclists ride at a speed of less (not more) than 30 km per hour. The training exercises should be recorded with front and rear video cameras.

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 license is essential to ride electric scooters.

Riding bikes or bicycles without receiving RTA’s approval, either for group training (more than four cyclists/bikers), or individual training (less than four), is strictly prohibited. Riders should always make sure they do not obstruct movement on cycling tracks Failure to adhere to laws and regulations governing cycling and biking or endangering the safety of other cyclists, vehicles and pedestrians can bring penalties and fines.

These can include confiscation of the bike for 30 days in case of repeat violations within a year of the first violation and bans on riding the bike for specific periods. In case the violation is committed by someone under the age of 18, his or her parent or legal guardian will be responsible for paying any fine. Failure to pay the fine will lead to confiscation of the bike (similar to the regulation for confiscation of the vehicle).

Violators can dispute fines or penalties within 30 days of the date of notification through a written grievance addressed to the Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority.