It's banned! Don't Take Your E-scooters Inside Dubai Metro, Tram Starting Today

Starting today (March 1, 2024), commuters will no longer be permitted to bring E-scooters onto the Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai announced via their official platform that this prohibition is implemented to prioritise commuter safety.

With the objective of bolstering road safety measures and ensuring compliance with regulations, Dubai will introduce a state-of-the-art robotic system in March. This innovative technology will be tasked with identifying violations committed by users of bicycles and electric scooters.

Unveiled by the RTA on Thursday, the advanced AI-powered robot will be deployed to oversee bicycle and electric scooter usage. It will utilise its AI capabilities to detect various infractions, including large gatherings, failure to wear safety gear such as helmets, improper parking of scooters, carrying multiple passengers on a single scooter and riding scooters in pedestrian-restricted zones.
Identified violations will be promptly reported to Dubai Police for collaborative analysis and action.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and adhering to strict safety standards, the robot boasts over 85 per cent accuracy in violation detection. It delivers data within five seconds and has a surveillance range of up to two kilometres.

For enhanced safety and security, the robot is equipped with sensors that automatically stop its movement when within 1.5 metres of an object or individual.

E-scooter Rules in Dubai

Riding an E-scooter against the flow of traffic is strictly prohibited. Carrying passengers is not allowed and e-scooters should only be used in designated areas.

In recent years, e-scooters have gained popularity among residents due to their affordability and ease of use and maintenance. However, failure to adhere to regulations can result in fines, confiscation of the e-scooter, and in severe cases, accidents leading to injuries or fatalities.

Here is a comprehensive guide outlining the regulations governing e-scooter usage in Dubai:

Permit: If you have a valid driving licence, you are exempt from obtaining an e-scooter permit. 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.

You can request the permit via the official RTA website at rta.ae, and there's no fee involved. Simply complete the online training courses and pass the test.

Upon successful completion of the test, you'll be issued an electronic permit for your e-scooter license via the RTA website. Once obtained, you'll need to download and store the permit on your mobile device.

Speed Limit: As per RTA regulations, the speed limits on bicycle and E-scooter paths vary based on the location: 20 km/h is the maximum speed allowed on designated paths within residential areas and beaches. For the Meydan track and streets shared with vehicles, the speed limit is set at 30 km/h.

Age Limit:  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 His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai in March 2022.

Safety First

Ensuring safety while riding an e-scooter is paramount, as highlighted by the RTA and Dubai Police. The majority of e-scooter incidents stem from riders' failure to adhere to basic safety protocols. Common violations include neglecting to wear mandated safety equipment, riding against traffic flow and unauthorised use of specified vehicle paths.

To safeguard oneself and fellow road users, it's imperative for e-scooter riders to consistently observe these fundamental rules:

• Stick to designated tracks, follow traffic regulations, and heed warning signs on the paths.
• Refrain from riding e-scooters outside designated or shared lanes.
• Avoid reckless maneuvers that jeopardise public safety.
• Maintain a safe distance from other E-scooters, bicycles, and pedestrians.
• Always wear a helmet and reflective jacket.
• Avoid carrying objects or passengers that may destabilise the E-scooter.
• Disembark from the e-scooter at pedestrian crossings and proceed on foot.
• Ride solo and ensure you're above the age of 16.
• Obtain the necessary e-scooter driving permit or carry your driver's licence.
• Avoid using headphones while riding.

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