E-Scooters, electric bicycles, off-road buggies and even children’s toy vehicles are now officially regulated under sweeping new traffic rules issued in Bahrain.
The new framework, published in the latest edition of the Official Gazette, was introduced through Decision No 58 of 2026 issued by Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.
The regulations significantly expand Bahrain’s traffic laws by formally recognising and regulating new categories of modern vehicles increasingly seen on roads, pavements, parks and desert areas.
Under the decision, electric bicycles, electric scooters, off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, modified off-road vehicles and small electric toy vehicles are now classified within the 2014 Traffic Law and made subject to detailed operational and safety rules.
The move comes amid growing popularity of alternative mobility vehicles and increasing concerns over reckless driving, safety hazards and unclear legal accountability.
According to the new rules electric bicycles and electric scooters will only be allowed on designated roads and internal roads where speed limits do not exceed 50kmph.
They are completely banned from highways, ring roads and major external roads.
Electric scooters and bicycles will also face a maximum speed limit of 25kmph, with riders ordered to reduce speed further in populated areas and pedestrian zones.
Children under 16 will not be allowed to ride electric bicycles unsupervised, while electric scooters cannot be used by children under seven unless supervised by a parent or guardian.
Helmet use is now mandatory. Electric bicycle riders must wear protective helmets, while electric scooter riders will also need shoulder, hand and leg protection gear.
The regulations also prohibit carrying passengers on scooters or electric bicycles unless specifically designed for additional riders.
In a major crackdown on dangerous driving behaviour, the new law bans zigzag driving, reckless speeding, riding against traffic and holding onto moving vehicles while operating the newly-classified vehicles.
The edict also outlaws driving in ways that obstruct traffic or endanger pedestrians.
Meanwhile, off-road motorcycles and desert vehicles will only be permitted in approved geographical zones and during times specified by the General Directorate of Traffic.
Drivers under 16 will only be allowed to operate them under adult supervision.
The decision also requires users of off-road motorcycles and desert vehicles to wear internationally-approved helmets, goggles and full protective equipment.
Transporting such vehicles on public roads must now be done using dedicated trailers.
For the first time, Bahrain has also created a legal category for off-road vehicles modified for public road use.
These vehicles must be officially registered and driven only by licensed motorists.
The General Directorate of Traffic has additionally been granted authority to inspect rental outlets and event organisers using such vehicles to ensure compliance with safety standards and age restrictions.
Strict impoundment rules have also been introduced.
Vehicles violating the regulations can be confiscated for up to 60 days, with authorities empowered to auction abandoned vehicles if owners fail to reclaim them within specified periods.
If no buyers emerge at auction, authorities may destroy the vehicles and recover outstanding fines and fees through legal channels.
The decision repeals earlier regulations issued in 2016 concerning off-road motorcycles and comes into force immediately.
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