المملكة: 17 years as a minimum… ban on mobile phones and headphones for scooter drivers

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has prohibited the use of bicycle and scooter rental shops and kiosks to store materials that are not related to the activity, and the riding of bicycles and scooters in areas other than designated paths or squares, or in any way that poses danger or inconvenience to others.
In addition to using or leaving bicycles and scooters in a way that obstructs or confuses pedestrian or vehicular movement, or using a mobile phone or headphones while driving, eating and drinking, or carrying heavy objects such as transporting goods.
The Ministry specified the requirements for renting bicycles and scooters, as well as the technical and operational requirements and licensing controls. With the aim of developing and improving the business environment in a way that achieves the general ambitions and goals of the individual and society together.

Licensing controls

The licensing controls included that the procedures for issuing, canceling, renewing, amending and suspending the license be in accordance with the municipal licensing procedures system and its executive regulations, and obtaining civil defense approval for shops or kiosks before issuing the license.
The Ministry required the submission of a valid commercial register containing the activities required to be licensed, and the attachment of an investment contract for the investor practicing the activity of renting bicycles and scooters (points of sale), along with a statement of the approval of the authority supervising the commercial activity required to be licensed, if any.
It obliges the licensee that the shop be within the recreational facilities or directly overlooking them, with a direct path to the facilities, so that the renter of bicycles and scooters does not have to cross or turn around the street to reach them.
The Ministry stipulated that the technical requirements for bicycles and scooters must be adhered to the technical specifications contained in the technical regulations for electric individual means of transportation (scooters), as well as those issued by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization.

The requirements included a commitment to setting the maximum speed of the scooter to 25 km/h in the lanes designated for bicycles, and setting the maximum speed of the scooter to 5 km/h in parks, pedestrian areas, and recreational facilities.
She stressed the separation and classification of scooters according to their specifications for use, whether on designated paths, parks, pedestrian areas, or recreational facilities.

Operating requirements

She stressed the need for scooter riders to be 17 years of age or older, prohibiting the use of bicycles and scooters on roads, public streets and paths not designated for that, and placing a “QR” code sticker on bicycles and scooters showing the licensing data and permits associated with the license.
General requirements for establishments include providing a first aid box, obtaining a municipal license before starting operations, prohibiting activity after the license expires, and ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities.

The regulations set the operating requirements and conditions for bicycles and scooters, most notably the ban on the sale of bicycles and scooters by stores and kiosks, with an emphasis on sterilizing protective helmets after each use.
It allowed for the repair, maintenance and cleaning of bicycles and scooters in the store, provided that the area of ​​the repair area inside the store does not exceed 20% of the store’s area, and it is prohibited to repair any bicycle that does not belong to the store, while it stressed the validity and safety of bicycles and scooters, and the operator bears responsibility for any damage they may cause to the safety of individuals. On public and private properties, restricting scooters to specific paths and intersections by programming them via satellite maps.