Dubai Exhibition Showcases 110kph E-bike Amid Calls for Stricter Regulations

A new electric bike, capable of reaching speeds of up to 110kph and approved for high-speed roads, was recently unveiled at the EV World exhibition in Dubai. This unveiling has reignited discussions and concerns regarding the safety and regulation of high-performance electric two-wheelers.

The Zero XE, manufactured by US-based Zero Motorcycles, is now available for purchase in Abu Dhabi for Dh25,000 ($6,800). It comes equipped with essential features such as lights, indicators, a horn, and a number plate. The manufacturer confirmed that the e-bike has been registered with the Roads and Transport Authority and Abu Dhabi Police. With a range of approximately 100km on a single charge, its top speed permits registration for use on public roads with higher speed limits than the typical 60kph designated for most e-bikes.

Thomas Edelmann, founder of RoadSafetyUAE, expressed his view that electric two-wheelers exceeding 100kph should be classified as motorcycles, not micromobility devices. He cautioned that their speed and performance characteristics could elevate the risk of accidents and severe injuries, particularly among inexperienced young riders. The increasing prevalence of modified electric bikes has become a point of concern in residential areas, where young individuals have been observed riding at high speeds and performing stunts. While riding on main roads can result in a Dh300 fine, their use is generally restricted to designated tracks.

Shehab Al Zainy, Middle East brand manager for Zero Motorcycles, stated that the Zero XE model was designed to comply with road regulations and cannot be modified or upgraded to enhance its performance. "These bikes are made from the factory to be road legal," he explained, noting that this approach aims to address issues of young riders altering electric bikes to increase their speed. Mr. Al Zainy asserted that the Zero XE is safer than many competing models, citing parental concerns about children purchasing bikes based on specifications and then modifying them with software or parts, rendering them unsafe.

Mr. Edelmann highlighted the need for current regulations to adapt to the emergence of high-performance electric bikes, advocating for clearer rules. He believes these devices are akin to conventional motorcycles and thus require registration, licensing, and inspection. He also called for more robust enforcement, pointing out instances of young riders using walkways and main roads at high speeds, sometimes without lights, and performing stunts captured in viral videos.

In Dubai, standard e-bikes are restricted to speeds between 20kph and 25kph in public and designated zones and are forbidden on faster roads. Mid-powered electric bikes, capable of up to 45kph, require a permit but are not allowed on main roads. Faster and more powerful electric two-wheelers necessitate a full motorcycle license and insurance.

Mr. Edelmann emphasized that the expanding variety of electric two-wheelers demands regulatory evolution to differentiate between conventional bicycles, micromobility devices, and high-performance vehicles. Data from the Ministry of Interior indicates a significant rise in accidents involving motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, and e-bikes in the UAE, with major e-bike accidents increasing from 20 in 2023 to 62 last year. E-scooter accidents also saw a rise, from 46 to 120 in the same period, coinciding with increased access to personal EVs. The performance of electric bikes can be significantly boosted by lithium-powered batteries and programmable motor controllers, with modified versions reportedly reaching speeds close to 100kph. "In the micromobility segment, we see the number of accidents going up very strongly, which substantiates that more needs to be done in this critical segment of road safety," Mr. Edelmann commented.

The Zero XE was featured among various electric transport solutions at the three-day EV World exhibition, which gathered companies focused on next-generation mobility technology. Dawood Al Shezawi, president of EV World, noted Dubai's progress in electric mobility, mentioning the integration of electric buses and taxis, the expansion of charging networks, and the introduction of robotics and autonomous driving. He stated that the transition to electric mobility is inevitable, with the focus shifting to its speed and leadership.

The UAE's national EV policy targets 50% of vehicles on its roads to be electric by 2050, a goal that requires advancements in battery technology, significant investment in charging infrastructure, and addressing driving range concerns. Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi, group chief executive of Dubai Taxi Company, highlighted the acceleration of the shift to electric public transport, with nearly 91% of their fleet now electric or hybrid, aiming for full electrification by the end of 2027. Dubai Taxi Company utilizes dedicated charging stations to ensure round-the-clock operation of its fleet, and autonomous taxis are expected to become more prominent in the emirate's transport network, with safety, reliability, and ease of use being key considerations for their introduction.