Cairo: Saudi Arabia has introduced new regulations governing the rental of bicycles and scooters, aiming to enhance the business environment, attract investors, and minimize visual clutter.
Announced by the Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing on the government platform “Survey,” the licensing requirements include:
- Civil Defense Approval: Rental shops and booths must obtain approval from civil defense authorities.
- Commercial Registration: A valid commercial registration is required.
- Investment Contract: An investment contract linked to points of sale must be submitted.
For bike and scooter rentals, the new rules stipulate:
- Helmet Sterilization: Helmets must be sterilized after each use.
- Maintenance and Cleaning: These activities must be conducted within the rental facility.
- Monitoring Locations: Operators are required to use satellite maps to track locations and speeds, ensuring that scooters are not deployed outside designated areas.
- Promotional Facilities: A pavement occupancy permit is needed for promotional setups, with a maximum of 10 bikes or scooters permitted per booth or assembly point.
Further regulations dictate that rental stores must be located within or near recreational areas and include direct access routes to facilitate easy entry for users without needing to cross streets.
Technical specifications mandate compliance with individual electric transportation rules, limiting scooter speeds to a maximum of 25 km/h on cycle tracks and 5 km/h in public parks.
Operationally, the minimum age for scooter users is set at 17 years, with a ban on their use on public roads, streets, and non-designated paths.
