Dubai: If you are a regular Metro user there is an important change that comes into effect from today. e-scooters are no longer allowed on the Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram, after Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that it was prohibiting their use on the two modes of public transport.
But what happens if you take an e-scooter to your nearest Metro station? According to the RTA, you can use the parking stands designated for bicycles outside various Metro stations to park your e-scooters as well.
Here are some other questions that the RTA answered on its official X account, that can help you navigate this change.
Can I still take my cycle?
Foldable cycles have been allowed on Metros and Trams in the past by the RTA, and you are still allowed to take them with you. Responding to an X user’s query, RTA said: “Foldable bicycles without any batteries are allowed inside the Dubai Metro and Tram cabins. These bicycles must adhere to the size regulations for luggage and should be stored in the designated luggage area within the train.”
For more details on the rules bicycle riders need to follow, click here.
Can I use the Metro footbridge with an e-scooter?
Yes, as per the RTA. Responding to another X user’s query, the authority said that commuters were only prohibited from taking e-scooters into Metro and Tram cabins.
“You may carry the e-scooter inside the Metro stations across the footbridge as long as it is folded and following any safety instruction announced,” the post read.
Other rules e-scooter users need to adhere to in Dubai
Apart from this latest announcement, there are also other rules that e-scooter users need to follow when riding around the streets in Dubai. For example, yu can never ride an e-scooter against the flow of traffic. You cannot carry a passenger with you. And you can only ride your e-scooter in areas designated for e-scooters.
These are just some of the top rules that e-scooter riders should follow to make sure that they stay safe and they are not a hazard to other road users, either.
Last year, Dubai Police raised an alert on e-scooter safety, when it announced that in eight months, accidents involving e-scooters and cycles had led to five deaths, with 32 accidents being recorded. The numbers were released by Dubai Police in October 2023, which included the number of fines that had been issued to electric bicycles and e-scooters during this period - 10,031.
Over the past few years, e-scooters have become a popular choice for residents as they are affordable and easy to ride and maintain. But, if you are inexperienced or do not follow the rules, it can lead to fines, impoundment of the e-scooter and - in serious cases – injuries or fatalities.
To ensure your safety and of others around you, here is a comprehensive guide on the regulations surrounding the use of e-scooters in Dubai.
Do I need a permit to ride an e-scooter in Dubai?
If you have a valid driving licence, you are exempt from obtaining an e-scooter permit, according to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). You will need to carry your driving licence with you when riding the electric scooter and present it to a police officer, when asked.
If you do not have a driving licence, you will need to apply for an e-scooter permit.
How to apply for an e-scooter permit in Dubai
You can apply for the permit through RTA’s official website – rta.ae, and it is free of cost. All you have to do is complete online training courses, and take a test.
Once you pass the test, you will then receive an electronic permit for the e-scooter licence through the RTA website. After obtaining the permit, you must download it and save it on your phone.
For a detailed guide on how to apply for the permit, click here.
This is needed even if you are renting an e-scooter.
Do I have to follow a speed limit?
According to RTA, the speed limit on bicycle and e-scooter paths changes depending on the location:
• 20 km/h on designated paths in residential areas and beaches.
• 30 km/h on the Meydan track and streets shared with vehicles.
Where can I use the e-scooter?
In Dubai, there are areas which have designated lanes for cycles and e-scooters. Some of these areas, include Kite Beach, Dubai Water Canal, Jumeirah Street, and Al Marsa Street in Dubai Marina.
However, places like Al Qudra Cycling Track, Mushrif Mountain Bike Trail and Meydan Track are only for cyclists. According to the RTA, you should avoid riding the e-scooter in undesignated areas.
1. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
2. Jumeirah Lakes Towers
3. Dubai Internet City
4. 2nd December Street, Satwa
5. City Walk
6. The Palm Jumeirah
7. Al Qusais ( on streets with a speed limit of 30 km/h)
8. Al Mankhool
9. Al Karama
10. Al Rigga
11. Khawaneej
12. Jumeirah street
13. Palm Jumeriah
14. Al Nahda
15. Dubai Marina
16. Al Tawar 1
17. Al Tawar 2
18. Umm Suqeim 3
19. Al Garhoud
20. Muhaisnah 3
21. Umm Hurair 1
22. Al Safa 2
23. Al Barsha South 2
24. Al Barsha 3
25. Al Quoz 4
26. Al Qusais 3
How old do I have to be to ride an e-scooter?
You must be 16 years old and above to ride an e-scooter in Dubai. This is as per Executive Council Resolution No. (13) of 2022 issued by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai in March 2022.
14 traffic signs you should know
According to RTA, there are specific ground markings and traffic signs that e-scooter riders must follow to stay safe.
How do I make sure I am riding my e-scooter safely?
According to the RTA and Dubai Police, most incidents involving e-scooters occur because of the riders’ failure to abide by basic safety rules. The most common violations are failure to wear required safety gear, riding in the wrong direction, and unauthorised use of designated vehicle paths.
It is extremely important for e-scooter riders to keep these basic rules in mind at all times, to ensure they stay safe and so do other road users:
1. Ride on designated tracks, adhere to traffic instructions and regulations, and warning signs on the tracks.
2. Avoid riding e-scooters outside designated or shared lanes.
3. Avoid reckless driving that endangers the public.
4. Leave a safe distance between e-scooters, bikes and pedestrians.
5. Wear a helmet and reflective jacket.
6. Do not carry anything or any passenger that can cause the e-scooter to lose its balance.
7. When you reach a pedestrian crossing, get off the e-scooter and cross the strip walking.
8. Ride the e-scooter individually. You must be above the age of 16 years.
9. Obtain the e- scooter driving permit or carry your driving licence.
10. Refrain from using headphones.
Fines you face for violating rules
Executive Council Resolution No. (13) of 2022 lists the violations and penalties pertaining to the use of e-scooters and other such vehicles in the emirate.
As per the resolution, these are the fines that are applicable to e-scooters:
A ‘pedal cycle’ refers to a two- or more-wheeled vehicle which is not equipped with an engine and is propelled by the physical power of the cyclist.
• Dh200 - Riding against traffic.
• Dh300 - Riding a pedal cycle or an electric bike on a road with a speed limit of more than 60 kmph.
• Dh200 - Failure by a cyclist to comply with the obligation to ride his cycle only in the cycle lanes determined by the RTA.
• Dh300 - Riding a cycle in a manner that endangers the life and safety of the cyclist or other persons.
• Dh200 - Riding or leaving a cycle on a lane designated for walking or jogging.
• Dh200 - Using an electric scooter, or any other type of cycles determined by the RTA, without first obtaining a rider’s permit.
• Dh300 - Carrying a passenger on an electric scooter.
• Dh200 - Carrying a passenger on a pedal cycle or an electric bike that is not fitted with the required equipment, or failure by a cyclist or passenger to wear the required vest and helmet.
• Dh100 - Failure to comply with the speed limits prescribed by the RTA for cycle lanes.
• Dh200 - Failure by a cyclist to meet the security and safety requirements prescribed in the Executive Council Resolution No. (13) of 2022 and the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof.
• Dh300 - riding a cycle which does not meet the technical requirements stipulated in this Resolution and the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof.
• Dh200 - Parking a cycle at a place other than the parking places designated for this purpose, or parking a cycle in a manner that obstructs the traffic of vehicles or pedestrians or in a manner that constitutes a hazard to road users.
• Dh200 - Failure to comply with the instructions displayed on the information signs on roads and cycle lanes.
• Dh200 - Failure to dismount the cycle when on a pedestrian crossing.
• Dh300 - Failure by a cyclist to report to the RTA, the Dubai Police or the ambulance service any accident caused or sustained by him or her which results in any injury or material damage.
• Dh200 - Using the left-hand side of the road when riding a pedal cycle or an electric bike, or failure to ensure that the road is clear before changing lanes.
• Dh300 - Parking or driving a vehicle, or attempting to obstruct traffic, on a cycle lane.
• Dh300 - Having the cycle towed by a vehicle or using the cycle for towing.
The article was first published on October 25, 2023 and has been updated since.
