Dubai's Bike-Share and RTA Apps for Active Travel: Careem Bike, S'hail and E-Scooter Permits

A Careem Bike day pass in Dubai costs AED 29 and a month pass AED 99, with each ride including 45 free minutes, according to Careem's help centre in October 2026. Since 30 December 2025, e-scooter riders without a driving licence can get their RTA riding permit inside the RTA Dubai or Dubai Now app.

Careem Bike: how it works

Careem Bike is a joint venture between Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Careem. It is a docked, pedal-assisted bike-share: you unlock a bike at a station in the Careem app and return it to any station with a free dock. When phase II launched in March 2022 the network had 1,750 bikes at 175 stations, with a long-term plan for 3,500 bikes at 350 stations. Property Finder's May 2026 guide put it at around 200 stations and about 1,750 bikes, in areas including Dubai Marina, JLT, Barsha Heights and Downtown.

What it costs

OptionPriceWhat you get Pay as you goAED 1 to unlockPer-minute fees from unlock Single trip passAED 19One ride with 45 free minutes One day passAED 29Rides of up to 45 minutes during the pass One week passAED 59Rides of up to 45 minutes during the pass One month passAED 9960 unlocks, each with 45 free minutes

Going over 45 minutes costs AED 10 for each extra 30 minutes. Careem says tourist accounts can use only pay-as-you-go, and that prices may vary by season and demand, so check the app. Property Finder lists the same prices as including 5% VAT. For comparison, at the 2022 launch a day pass was AED 20 and a month pass AED 75.

For where to ride, see Dubai's cycle tracks explained and walking and cycling to work.

E-scooter permits in the RTA apps

The RTA activated its online e-scooter permit on 30 December 2025. To apply:

1. Open the RTA website, the RTA Dubai app or the Dubai Now app, and log in or create an account.
2. Select "E-Scooter Riding Permit".
3. Work through the training on traffic rules and safe riding.
4. Pass the online theory test.
5. Receive the digital permit by email and text message.

You must be 17 or over. Holders of a valid UAE or international driving licence do not need the permit. Riding is allowed in RTA-designated zones and on dedicated tracks, including Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah and Palm Jumeirah, but not in Saih Al Salam, Al Qudra or Al Meydan. Penalties apply for riding without a permit, outside permitted areas or without a helmet. Gulf News's January 2026 guide adds that pedestrian bridges are off-limits, and that riding inside, or charging scooters at, Metro and Tram stations is prohibited.

Paying and planning

• S'hail (RTA): top up nol balances, buy and renew travel passes, and apply for or renew a personal nol card. WAM's July 2026 report describes it as covering public transport, taxis, e-scooters and bikes, with journey planning and real-time alerts.
• nol Pay: manage a nol card by phone using NFC. As of December 2024 the RTA allowed nol payments for e-scooter rental packages in some operators' apps, Gulf News reported.
• RTA Dubai: more than 40 driving and commuting services, including nol balance management and parking payments (as of August 2024), and now the e-scooter permit.

Before you ride

• Check the 45-minute limit and dock a bike before it runs out.
• Get your e-scooter permit before riding, unless you hold a driving licence.
• Wear a helmet; riding a scooter without one is a violation.
• Ride early or late in summer, and carry water.

For general information. Prices and rules can change; check with the RTA and Careem before relying on them.