Manama: The General Directorate of Traffic stressed the importance of complying with the legal regulations and requirements governing the use of electric bicycles and e-scooters and following the necessary safety measures to reduce accidents and injuries and enhance the safety of users and other road users.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the directorate explained that individuals under 16 are prohibited from riding electric bicycles, while children under 7 may use e-scooters only under the supervision of a parent or guardian. It noted that allowing children below the specified age to use such vehicles without the required supervision is treated as allowing an unlicensed person to drive a vehicle, thereby placing legal responsibility on the parent or guardian. It also stressed that electric bicycle riders must wear safety helmets, while e-scooter riders must wear helmets and protective gear for the shoulders, hands, and legs.
The directorate explained that Resolution No. 58 of 2026 regulates the use of electric bicycles and e-scooters on public roads, prohibiting their use on external roads and roads where the maximum permitted speed exceeds 50 km/h, as well as vehicle lanes, road shoulders, which are the sides of the road adjacent to it, and emergency lanes.
The directorate added that the risks associated with these means of transport increase on external roads, when using vehicle lanes, and at intersections and road entrances, noting the need to use electric bicycles and e-scooters only on permitted roads.
It noted that users are responsible not only for their own safety but also for the safety of others by riding cautiously, avoiding endangering pedestrians, and giving pedestrians and other vehicles priority on roads where traffic is not regulated by signs.
Regarding legal requirements, the General Directorate of Traffic explained that the resolution sets the speed of electric bicycles and e-scooters at no more than 25 km/h and prohibits carrying an additional passenger or travelling against the direction of traffic or in a manner that endangers the rider and traffic.
The General Directorate of Traffic highlighted the key role of families in promoting traffic safety among children by familiarising them with the regulations governing the use of electric bicycles and e-scooters. It urged families not to regard electric bicycles and e-scooters merely as recreational devices, but as means of transport whose use requires awareness, supervision, responsibility and compliance with the law.
As part of its awareness efforts, the directorate affirmed that its messages target citizens, residents and all categories of road users through traffic guidelines published in several languages, digital platforms, media outlets and field campaigns, helping ensure that regulations and instructions reach the widest possible audience.
It added that its efforts regarding electric bicycles and e-scooters include explaining legal regulations and permitted areas of use, raising awareness of speed limits, protective equipment and pedestrian rights, as well as intensifying field monitoring and taking legal action against violations that could endanger users of these means of transport or other road users.
The General Directorate of Traffic stressed that ensuring the safe use of electric bicycles and e-scooters is a shared responsibility that begins with users' awareness and compliance with the law and extends to the family's role in guidance and supervision. It affirmed that it would continue its awareness and field efforts to enhance traffic safety and protect the lives and property of road users.