UAE: Up to Dh500 fine for electric bike, bicycle violations

Riders of e-scooters and cyclists caught violating rules in the UAE Capital will face fines of up to Dh500, authorities have warned.

The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Police, on Thursday announced the they have started enforcing fines on violations of bicycles and e-scooters regulation for individual use in Abu Dhabi.

The two parties stated that the goal is to implement the highest standards of security and safety, promote positive behaviours and adhere to the provisions of the regulation for a safe society.

According to authorities, the regulation on the usage of bicycles and electric bikes in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi sets out the amount of fines for non-compliance with its provisions. These fines include an amount that varies between Dh200 to Dh500 for each the following: failure to adhere to the safety instructions and standards, or violations related to riding bicycles in prohibited roads and areas.

Last week, authorities said they had stepped up measures to crackdown on e-scooters riders violating rules. The police pointed out that bicycles, manual and e-scooters are permitted to be used in Abu Dhabi. The police also issued a video where officers were seen stopping e-scooters that have seats as they are banned in the Capital.

Officials noted that cyclists must wear a helmet and obey the rules of the road and a bicycle or e-scooter should have only one rider.

In the latest statement, the ITC has confirmed that the new regulation on the usages of bicycles and e-scooters, is part of ITC’s efforts that are implemented alongside the relevant strategic stakeholders, aiming at diversifying transport means and establishing an integrated and sustainable transport system that improves the quality of services available to members of the community, and supports the ITC’s inclinations towards environment-friendly transport means in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The ITC also stated that bicycle and electric bikes are one of the “first and last mile” services that links public bus stations, shopping malls, services and residential areas, promotes integration in the transport network, and enables community members to reach their destinations quickly and at a very low cost.

Authorities said the regulations pertaining to the riding all kinds of electric bikes and bicycles clearly stipulate that a rider must wear a protective helmet and reflective clothing at night time, and they can only park their bikes in designated areas and not leave them anywhere where they could impede the movement of vehicles or pedestrians, and they must not chain them to traffic light posts or street lighting poles.

The regulations also stipulate that cyclists and users of micromobility devices can only use the lanes and roads intended for bicycles, and in case there are none in the area they wish to cycle, they must use side-roads where the speed limit is usually 20 kilometres per hour, and they must stay on the far right-hand side of the road or sidewalks and pavements dedicated to the use of bicycles.

Bicycle safety instructions and procedures must be followed at all times, and any stunts that are dangerous or compromising to riders, pedestrians or any other road user must be completely avoided.