First-of-itskind bike sharing service launched in Dubai
RTA-Careem initiative allows commuters to hire and pay via Careem Bike app
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Careem officially launched the first-of-its-kind bike sharing service in the region, providing 780 pedal assisted bikes over 78 stations across Dubai under the project’s phase 1.
Mattar Mohammad Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA and Mudassir Sheikha, Co-Founder and CEO of Careem, accompanied by Ahmed Bin Sulayem Executive Chairman of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, inaugurated the service at the Jumeirah Lakes Towers’ station.
A leader in technology across the Middle East and North Africa, Careem relies on the latest smart systems to track their bicycles via GPS and anticipate the locations in high occupancy areas. The solar-powered stations will allow users to hire and pay via the Careem Bike app, which allows them to unlock the bicycle by scanning the QR code on the bicycle and enter a 5-digit code from the application into the station.
Covering numerous busy areas across the city, including Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah Lake Towers, in addition to a number of safe roads across Al Karama and Al Mankhool, the service allows a top speed of 30km/h, which is a safe speed, whether on the bicycle dedicated tracks or on the safe roads that are covered by the service.
According to its 15-year contract with the RTA, Careem will operate 1,750 bicycles and install 175 stations during the first two years, before increasing them to a total of 3,500 bicycles and 350 stations over the next five years.