Abu Dhabi police fines illegal e-bike users

Abu Dhabi police have stepped up their operations to stop people from riding unauthorized e-bikes in the capital.

Following a two-month awareness campaign in partnership with the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), the force shared a video on its social media platforms showing police fining passengers of illegal vehicles.

This ITC announced in June Electric two-wheeled vehicles that only allow standing operation.

It said it banned scooters with seats, showing three different types – one with a basket in front, an electric scooter with a seat and a regular seated scooter.

The ban came amid fears that two-wheelers could reach speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour. It has become common to install seats and chunky wheels on bikes.

“It is important to follow traffic and safety instructions. There are two types of e-scooters available in Abu Dhabi. Bicycles and e-scooters. Brig Mohamed Al Hemeri, Head of Patrol and Traffic, Abu Dhabi Police, said, Electric scooters with seats have been banned.

He said the list of regulated bicycles and e-scooters showed the specifications of bikes allowed on the road, namely two-wheeled bikes without an electric motor.

“The regulations for an electric scooter state that it can at least be a two-wheeled vehicle with an electric motor, without a seat, and the rider should stand while driving,” he said.

Officials said having a lower seat on a scooter designed for standing could affect a rider’s balance. The ruling extends to scooters that are often used for deliveries.

“Cyclists should slow down in busy places and only be allowed on designated tracks. There are signs showing the tracks,” added Brig Al Hemeri.

Officials said a bike or e-scooter must have only one rider, and they should use the trails when there are no suitable bike lanes.

Abu Dhabi authorities say cyclists must wear helmet and obey the rules of the road A bicycle or e-scooter should only have one rider.

Updated: August 15, 2022 11:45 am