What Dubai's new e-bike service means for deliveries

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with mobility company Careem, has launched a new initiative providing electric bikes to food and goods delivery riders. The service aims to improve safety, reduce operational costs for drivers, and lower the carbon footprint of the city's last-mile delivery sector. It is currently active across 11 specific districts in Dubai. ## What changed? Delivery riders working for any company can now rent subsidised e-bikes from Careem BIKE stations located in 11 designated areas. Previously, riders primarily used petrol-powered motorcycles, which are associated with higher fuel costs, greater maintenance, and more significant carbon emissions. The new e-bikes are speed-capped at 40 km/h, a measure intended to enhance road safety. The initiative aligns with the RTA's broader goals of promoting sustainable transport and regulating the delivery sector more effectively. According to the RTA, this service provides a "practical and sustainable alternative" to traditional delivery motorcycles. ## Who is affected? The primary group affected is the thousands of delivery riders working in Dubai. For them, this initiative offers a potentially cheaper and safer alternative to owning and operating a petrol motorcycle. The monthly subscription fee for the e-bikes is AED 525, which Careem states is a 50% discount on the standard rate and is projected to save riders up to AED 300 per month compared to using their own motorcycles. Residents…