Dubai e-scooter: how do I apply for a permit through RTA and do I need one?

Permits are needed to use e-scooters on roads in certain areas and anyone flouting the law faces fines

It costs just Dh3 to unlock the scooter and 50 fils a minute thereafter. Antonie Robertson / The National

Users scan a QR code and enter their details on a phone app before using the e-scooter. Antonie Robertson / The National

A dedicated riding lane in JLT. Antonie Robertson / The National

Commuters leaving the metro station can rent an electric scooter using a mobile app. Antonie Robertson / The National

A year-long trial of electric scooters was rolled out across five districts in the city last year. Antonie Robertson / The National

British resident April Kearns says she will make use of the new electric scooters to commute to her office in Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Antonie Robertson / The National

The e-scooters were introduced as part of a pilot project by the Roads and Transport Authority in collaboration with Dubai Police. Antonie Robertson / The National

Those looking to make use of the scooters have to abide by a number of rules including wearing a helmet. Antonie Robertson / The National

Skurtt e-scooters for rent outside Al Sufouh tram station in Knowledge Village. Antonie Robertson / The National

Transport officials and police said riders will be stopped and possibly fined if seen outside of the designated zones. Antonie Robertson / The National

Riders will have to abide by a number of safety rules when renting the e-scooters. Antonie Robertson / The National

Trial areas were chosen based on their population density, private developments, availability of public transport services, integrated infrastructure, and high traffic safety records. Antonie Robertson / The National

The electric scooters can reach speeds of up to 20kmph. Antonie Robertson / The National

E-scooters are allowed on certain cycling tracks and in 10 districts in Dubai, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority announced on April 11.

The RTA also introduced a permit system for riders in a move designed to improve public safety that comes into force on April 28.

Anyone riding an electric scooter or any type of electric bike must hold a full driving licence, or a permit.

The permit is need to ride on roads in designated areas only. So, how can you get one? And where can you ride them?

The National explains.

Where will e-scooters be allowed?

• Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
• Jumeirah Lakes Towers
• Dubai Internet City
• Al Rigga
• 2nd of December Street
• The Palm Jumeirah
• City Walk

In addition, they can be used on safe roads and tracks in specific zones at:

• Al Qusais
• Al Mankhool
• Al Karama

They can also be used at tracks designated for bicycles and scooters throughout Dubai, excluding those at Saih Assalam, Al Qudra and Meydan.

“The selection of these districts was guided by specific criteria, such as high population density, special development areas, areas served by public transport and metro stations, the availability of integrated infrastructure, and areas with a high level of traffic safety,” said Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the board of executive directors of the RTA.

How do I get a permit and what does it cost?

If you have a full vehicle driving licence, international driving licence or a motorcycle licence, you do not need a permit to drive an e-scooter.

Anyone who does not have a driving licence can apply for a permit online at the RTA at the end of the month.

The process involves attending training courses and passing an online test. Permits are free.

I don’t own an e-scooter. Can I hire one?

Yes, 2,000 vehicles, operated by four companies, will be available for rent in areas identified as most likely to benefit from greater access to e-scooters, such as popular tourist spots and sites for public transport links.

The scooters will be operated by two international companies, Tier and Lime, and two local, Arnab and Skurtt.

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Yes, helmets are mandatory.

How old do you have to be to use them?

Riders must be at least 16.

If I don't get a permit, will I be fined?

Yes. Anyone caught riding an e-scooter without a driving licence or permit could face a Dh200 fine. Here is a full list of the fines:

• Failing to use to specific routes – Dh200
• Riding on roads with a speed limit above 60kph – Dh300
• Reckless riding that poses danger to others' lives – Dh300
• Riding or parking e-scooter on paths designated for walking or jogging – Dh200
• Using an e-scooter without a permit – Dh200
• Failing to wear protective gear – Dh200
• Failing to commit to speed limits specified by the authority – Dh100
• Taking passengers – Dh300
• Failing to adhere to safety requirements – Dh200
• Riding a scooter that does not meet technical requirements – Dh300
• Parking in undesignated areas or in a manner that may block traffic or pose risk – Dh200
• Ignoring instructions on road signs – Dh200
• If rider is below 12 and without the supervision of an adult aged 18 and above – Dh200
• Failing to dismount on pedestrian crossings – Dh200
• Failing to report an accident that caused injuries or damages – Dh300
• Using the left lane and unsafe lane changing – Dh200
• Riding against traffic – Dh200
• Obstructing traffic on the route – Dh300
• Dragging objects using the e-scooter – Dh300
• Training facility failing to get a permit from the authority to provide group training – Dh200 (for each trainee)
• Conducting individual training – Dh200

Is there anything else important to keep in mind?

There are special parking spaces for shared e-scooters, which are mainly near tourist attractions and public transport stations.

You must not ride e-scooters on tracks designated for walking or running. Always leave an adequate distance to bicycles and pedestrians.

Do not carry passengers. And do not exceed the speed limits fixed by RTA, which is between 15kph and 20kph, depending on the track.