Al Tayer Announces Operation of e-Scooters in 11 New Areas from 2023

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the commencement of e-scooters operations in 11 new residential areas from the start of 2023.

As such, the total number of districts in which e-scooters are permitted to operate increases to 21, and the total length of tracks dedicated to bikes, e-scooters, as well as safe and shared routes, rises from 185 km to 390 km.

Al Tayer said: “Expanding the scope of operating bikes and e-scooters to cover new districts is in line with the Resolution of the Executive Council No 13 for 2022 endorsed by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

"It supports the efforts aimed to transform Dubai into a bicycle-friendly city and the migration to less-polluting sustainable transport. It also encourages visitors to use alternative mobility means and supports the first and last-mile strategy."

The new areas where the use of e-scooters will be permitted are:

Al Tawar 1, Al Tawar 2, Umm Suqeim 3, Al Garhoud, Muhaisnah 3, Umm Hurair 1, Al Safa 2, Al Barsha South 2, Al Barsha 3, Al Quoz 4, and Nad Al Sheba 1.

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By operating e-scooters in these areas, the total length of the bike and e-scooter tracks will jump to 390 km to serve 114,503 residents of those areas.

"These tracks relate to main attractions, 10 mass transport stations, and 18 prominent destinations such as public parks and commercial outlets. It will also enhance the first and last-mile journeys and reduce the reliance on private vehicles,” commented Al Tayer.

Expansion Criteria

The selection of areas and tracks is based on technical studies and data analysis of various Dubai districts to assess them in terms of safety, traffic volumes, the readiness of the infrastructure, population density, and the proximity to metro and public transport stations.

RTA collaborates with the General HQ of Dubai Police to ensure compliance with the safety and security standards along with the relevant rules and regulations.

Avoiding Use before Completion

RTA calls on the public to refrain from using e-scooters on tracks that are still under construction to avoid traffic incidents. The construction of tracks at the new districts is progressing according to plan.

Signage of e-scooters and traffic markings are about to be completed at world-class standards of traffic safety. RTA also urges motorists to be more cautious when driving inside those districts and observe the speed limits in place.

Riding Permit

Through its website (www.rta.ae), RTA launched a link enabling interested individuals to apply for free permits for riding e-scooters on safe roads designated by RTA. The process involves attending training courses and passing an online test.

Scooter Parking

RTA has provided parking spaces for shared e-scooters along the designated tracks and permitted districts, key tourist attractions, and around public transport stations.

RTA called on riders to park the common electric scooters of operators in the designated parking spaces only. Parked scooters should not block the movement of traffic and pedestrians or the use of public parking for vehicles to ensure the safety of riders and road users.

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