BAHRAIN is stepping up a crackdown on dangerous and illegal use of electric bikes and scooters, with offenders facing up to six months in prison and fines of up to BD500.
The General Directorate of Traffic yesterday said it would intensify inspection campaigns, in co-ordination with police directorates across all governorates, to improve road safety and enforce Resolution No. 58 of 2026.
Under the regulations, e-scooters may only be used in designated areas and must not exceed 25km/hr.
Riders are prohibited from carrying passengers or travelling against the flow of traffic and must wear helmets and comply with safety requirements. Electric scooter riders will also need shoulder, hand and leg protection gear.
Children under seven are prohibited from riding e-scooters unless under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian.
The General Directorate stressed that parents are responsible for supervising their children and preventing them from using electric bikes and scooters in violation of regulations, warning that such practices could endanger them and others.
Riders were also urged to follow traffic and police instructions and stop immediately when directed, with failure to comply resulting in legal action.
Parliament foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman MP Hassan Bukhammas backed the crackdown, saying stronger enforcement was necessary to prevent irresponsible riding from putting lives at risk.
“Protecting lives must remain the priority. Traffic regulations are not merely rules to be followed; they are essential safeguards against accidents, injuries and potentially tragic consequences,” he said.
Mr Bukhammas also urged parents to monitor their children’s use of electric scooters and said public co-operation and respect for traffic laws were vital to making Bahrain’s roads safer.
The directorate has also launched awareness drives, urging compliance with road safety laws and highlighting the dangers posed by unregulated scooter use. The GDN in May reported that Northern Municipal councillors had put forth a proposal to create a national police registry for electric scooters following the tragic death of an 11-year-old boy in Budaiya.
The move was spearheaded by area councillor Mohammed Al Dossary, who said the aim was not to legalise scooters for road use, but to ensure accountability and traceability amid growing safety concerns.
He said the proposed system could include a traceable QR code or barcode sticker placed on every registered scooter, allowing police to instantly access the buyer’s details when scanned during inspections or incidents.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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