Safety comes first: Abu Dhabi introduces new rules for electric bikes

The Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport has designated specific areas within the emirate where the use of electric bikes (scooters) is either allowed or restricted.

By implementing these regulations and planning measures, the department seeks to improve safety, ensure seamless traffic flow, and promote more effective urban mobility.

Highlighted permissible zones for electric bikes include internal roads with speed limits under 40km/h, dedicated lanes for bicycles and electric bikes, as well as shared paths for pedestrians and cyclists.

The department stated that scooters are prohibited on roads outside the city with speed limits of 60 km/h or higher, as well as on highways and pedestrian paths.

The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), under the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport, highlighted the importance of creating a comprehensive and interconnected network of safe cycling and e-bike routes.

This initiative aims to promote an active transport culture in Abu Dhabi, emphasising the integration of these networks with other land use systems and transportation modes, especially public transport.

The ITC emphasised the importance of prioritising pedestrians while regulating bike use. Cyclists must maintain a safe distance, adhere to traffic laws, obey signs and markings, ride in the direction of traffic flow, and use designated bicycle lanes when they are available.

Additionally, the Centre specified that bikes are prohibited on roads with speed limits exceeding 60km/h unless a permit is obtained from the relevant authorities. On roads with speed limits of 60km/h or lower and lacking designated cycling lanes, cyclists should ride on the right side.

Furthermore, bikes must be parked only in designated areas to avoid obstructing the movement of vehicles or pedestrians.

It further stressed the importance of maintaining a minimum distance of 5 metres from school buses when warning signals are displayed, and the stop alarm arm is activated. Additionally, group tours are required to obtain a special permit from Abu Dhabi Police.