Dubai RTA Lifts Ban on E-Scooters for Metro Riders

RTA has allowed foldable e-scooters that do not have seats to be taken on the Metro and Tram. It is a holistic plan to make commuting easier for the consumers and ensure safety. As these are powered by electricity and hence are eco-friendly. RTA until now had forbidden the carrying of e-scooters in these public transport networks in March 2024. It has specifically taken this decision as a means to a more comprehensive goal of improving commuter comfort. While creating safety sustainability.

The latest directives indicate that only compact foldable electric scooters are allowed. Especially, that have no seats can be brought on board. Here are the severe size and weight limitations. The e-scooter should be less than dimensions like 120cm x 70cm x 40cm. The weight has to be below 20kg. The aim of these guidelines is to ensure that the scooters can be passed through and stored conveniently. Without obstructing or creating any security problems for other travelers.

New Guidelines for E-Scooter Carriage

The RTA has set forth a few basic requirements that passengers must adhere to carry e-scooters. The following rules prioritize both the safety of passengers and the operational efficiency:

Scooters Must Be Folded

An e-scooter must be folded before entering the Metro or Tram premises. It should stay folded all through the journey including stations, platforms, and inside the trains or trams. Additionally, it is absolutely not allowed to ride the e-scooter within the stations. Also not allowed on footbridges or inside the transport system.

No Charging Allowed

Charging e-scooters at stations or on trains and trams is strictly not allowed. This prohibition aims to eliminate potential fire hazards and ensure the safety of all passengers.

Size and Cleanliness Requirements

E-scooters should be clean and dry before being allowed into the public transport system. Wet or dirty scooters will not be accepted. As they are a slipping hazard or cause discomfort to other commuters.

Safety of Parts

Parts of the e-scooter such as handlebars must be either safely retracted. As they can cause injury or damage to property. If this is not possible, they are to be covered. This is to ensure the minimum risk of incidents during smooth travel.

Battery Compliance

The batteries used in e-scooters must be in accordance with international standards. Such as UL and IEC certifications so that they remain safe for extra public use. E-scooters with dual batteries or broken batteries are forbidden. As they are emitting substances that are harmful to the environment.

Exiting Through Wide Gates

People must carry the e-scooters only through the wide gates when giving in and out at Metro stations. Since the regular ones might be too narrow for the folded devices.

Commuter Responsibility

Riders are responsible for ensuring that their e-scooters do not block doors, aisles, seats, or emergency equipment. They should also be careful not to impede everyone else’s access and ease of movement.

A Step Towards Sustainable Urban Mobility

This policy alteration is a major departure from RTA’s previous e-scooter policy. The previous one was set in place and even included a ban on the use of public transport in March 2024. The prior decision was primarily based on the need for ensuring passenger safety. Thus, eliminating the risks regarding the use of last-mile transportation options in the Metro.

RTA’s decision to rescind the ban shows Dubai is focused on sustainable urban mobility. The introduction of e-scooters is popular among those who need to cover a short distance after public transport use. By allowing foldable e-scooters on the Metro and Tram, the RTA intends to foster the use of public transport rather than personal cars.

Safety Upgrade and Comfort

Even though the fresh rules are a little more flexible for electric scooter users compared to the previous ones. RTA’s primary goal of ensuring the safety of all passengers still stands firm. To achieve this clarity, the agency has urged the public to keep up with the adjustments manually. They also encourage adherence to them to avoid the unpleasant consequence of penalty. Moreover, the RTA has stressed the importance of being aware of fellow travelers during peak hours. Especially when trains and trams are packed.