E-scooters in Dubai are becoming one of the popular modes of commute, given the fact it’s easy to use, economical and has low maintenance cost. Many people living in the Emirate are using public transport and e-scooters to commute from home to work and vice versa. Therefore, given the increasing demand of e-bikes, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai has introduced new rules and laws related to the use of e-scooters in Dubai. RTA has made e-scooter licence in Dubai mandatory for all electric bike riders. The initiative has been taken to ensure riders’ safety as well as other public on the road.
Read below to know everything about the new electric scooter rules, fines and how to apply for a driving permit for e-scooters in Dubai.
DRIVING PERMIT FOR E-SCOOTERS IN DUBAI
In April 2022, RTA Dubai announced that anyone riding an electric bike must hold a driving permit for electric scooters in Dubai or a full driving licence. Also, those already holding a motorcycle licence in Dubai or an international driving licence, don’t need to get an RTA e-scooter permit.
Electric scooters are to be used in designated areas only and for that you need to have a driving permit for e-scooters in Dubai. RTA Dubai has further announced that e-scooters can be used in 10 different areas within the Emirate that includes Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai Internet City, Al Rigga, 2nd of December Street, The Palm Jumeirah, City Walk and on safe tracks in Al Quasis, Al Mankhool and Al Karama.
E-scooter riders can also ride on the scooter and bicycle tracks in Dubai, except the ones marked at Al Meydan, Saih Assalam, and Al Qudra.
These areas were selected for e-scooter use based on several facts. For instance, areas with maximum traffic safety, areas where Metro stations and public transport in Dubai are easily accessible, high population areas with integrated infrastructure and special developments.
HOW TO APPLY FOR DRIVING PERMIT FOR E-SCOOTERS IN DUBAI
If you are 16 years or above, you can easily apply for an RTA driving permit for electric scooters in Dubai online, completely free. However, to get your RTA e-scooter licence requires riders to attend a training course and after that clear the online test. The training course includes lessons on standards of e-scooters, technical specifications, areas allowed, the definition of traffic signs followed by signs related to electric scooters and user’s obligations.
FINE FOR RIDING WITHOUT DRIVING PERMIT FOR E-SCOOTERS IN DUBAI
According to the new rules set by RTA, riding an e-scooter without a valid licence is a traffic violation and will incur a fine of AED 200.
Besides, here is a list of other fines that e-scooter riders in Dubai should be aware of to avoid any inconvenience:
- Not using designated routes: AED 200
- Exceeding the speed limit by 60 km/h: AED 300
- Reckless driving that may be dangerous for others’ lives: AED 300
- Parking or riding on walking or jogging tracks: AED 200
- Not wearing protective gear: AED 200
- Exceeding the specified limit by RTA: AED 100
- Riding with passengers: AED 300
- Not adhering to safety requirements: AED 200
- E-scooter does not meet the standard technical requirements: AED 300
- Parking in non-designated areas or at a place causing traffic blockage or may pose risk: AED 200
- Not following road signs: AED 200
- Anyone riding e-scooter below the age of 12 without adult supervision: AED 200
- Not dismounting on pedestrian crossings: AED 200
- Not reporting accidents with injuries and damages: AED 300
- Unsafe lane changing or using the left lane: AED 200
- Going against traffic: AED 200
- Blocking traffic on the route: AED 300
- Dragging stuff behind e-scooters: AED 300
This was all about the driving permit for e-scooters in Dubai. If you are interested in investing in an electric scooter, you can head to any e-scooter dealer in Dubai or check these used e-scooters in Dubai for sale. The plus point is there are many companies offering e-scooter repair and maintenance services in Dubai, so you don’t have to worry.
But make sure to get an RTA e-scooter permit as it may incur heavy fines when you ride without it. Only if you have a full driving licence, you don’t have to worry about the e-scooter permit.
Moreover, those who don’t want to buy e-scooters can opt to rent it for their commute. Four companies Tier, Lime, Arnab and Skurtt operate around 2000 e-scooters at famous tourist spots and in areas with public transport links. To rent their e-scooters, you need to download the respective company’s mobile app, available on Google Play and Apple Store.
Whether you opt to buy or rent an electric scooter, wearing helmets is mandatory. Also, depending on the track, maintain a speed limit between 15 km/h and 20 km/h, set by RTA.
Besides, those interested in comfortable commuting options may choose to buy a used car in Dubai. For the fact that e-scooters can be used at specific places or areas only, buying a car could be an option for easy commuting anywhere in the city.
Stay tuned to one of the top auto blogs of the UAE for information on traffic rules, driving fines, parking laws and more in all the Emirates.
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