Picture used for illustrative purpose.

Afaq Khan, Staff Reporter

The UAE Ministry of Interior announced fresh guidelines for the use of electric scooters on the streets specified by the authorities in the seven emirates.

The ministry clarified that riders need to require a traffic permit that can be obtained through an electronic platform launched by RTAs in the concerned emirate.

The permit will allow riders to use e-bikes and e-scooters as flexible means of transportation in the designated areas and streets.

Safety guidelines for riding an electric scooter:

. Drive scooter only in allocated areas

. Make way for pedestrians

. Stay within the speed limit and reduce speed in public areas

. Refrain from using the scooter in crowed areas

. Alert others before passing

. Maintain a safe distance on the track, especially overtaking to avoid collision

. Do not direct headlights at others on the track

. Do not swerve quickly at curves

The police also launched a traffic awareness campaign, entitled "Traffic Safety for Electric Bicycle Users.”

The police explained that the campaign included clarification of the negative repercussions as a result of the wrong and illegal use of electric bicycles, and the non-compliance of their users with traffic regulations and instructions that enhance their safety and the safety of road users.