Dubai: Companies renting out quad bikes have to register and insure each of their vehicles or risk paying heavy fines, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced.
Each of the rental bikes also needs to pass an annual technical inspection and have a number plate, without which the owners will be fined Dh500.
The testing and registration process will cost Dh260 and can be done at several of the RTA’s vehicle inspection centres such as Tasjeel Al Barsha, Al Ghusais, Al Aweer, Warsan, Tamam Ras Al Khor, Shamel Nal Al Hamar and Al Muhaisnah.
Though registration and testing is not mandatory for private owners as yet, RTA also encourages private owners and parents whose children ride quad bikes to have the vehicles tested and registered annually, in order to ensure the vehicles are safe to ride.
However, registration doesn’t allow riding of quad bikes on roads, and riding in prohibited areas will attract a fine of Dh400.
A specialist RTA team is carrying out regular awareness programmes to underline the importance of safety while riding these bikes.
On Monday, a team headed by Nabeel Al Ali, director of Commercial Transport Activities at RTA’s Licensing Agency, visited Hobbies Club in Al Aweer, one of the few registered quad rental centres in Dubai.
“This is the main season for quad biking. The weather is nice and a lot of people go to the desert to enjoy themselves, mostly families. This is why we are going around to places that are known to have quad biking activities to raise awareness among them, particularly parents who need to monitor their children’s activities,” said Al Ali.
Al Ali conducted a workshop with schoolchildren, demonstrating to them the importance of wearing safety gear as well as showing them how to ride safely.
“It is important for parents to ensure their children wear safety gear as well as ensuring that the bikes are in good condition. They also need to make sure children are riding bikes that are appropriate for their age,” he added.
RTA has categorised bikes according to the age of the child and size of the bike. Children between the age of four and nine can only ride a bike with a 50cc engine, children under the age of 16 can ride bikes of up to 150cc, while children aged 16 or above can ride bigger bikes.
According to RTA rules, children under the age of 16 cannot ride a bike without adult supervision, while adults are also not allowed to take younger ones sitting on the pillion on their bikes.
The bike rental firms also need to provide appropriate safety equipment to the riders, such as helmet, vest and boots.
“Many quad bikes accidents involve head injuries, therefore it is mandatory to wear a helmet. A fine of Dh200 will be issued for riding a bike without a helmet,” he said.
As many as 10 people have died in more than 125 quad bike accidents in Dubai over the last five years, and RTA’s campaign to register the bikes and enhance safety cover are part of its efforts to regulate the sector and reduce the risk factor.
The awareness programmes are being conducted at popular desert areas frequented by quad bikers such as Mirdif, Al Warqa’a and Khawaneej.
In order to regulate the sector further, RTA is working with some firms to set up dedicated quad bike centres in Dubai, where teenagers can go and ride the bikes in a secure environment under the watchful eye of experts.
Penalties
Quad biking in prohibited areas – Dh400
Unlicensed quad bike – Dh400
Failure to wear safety gear – Dh200
Under 16 biker, without adult supervision – Dh400
Renting out quad bikes without permit – Dh500
Riding a bike with a number plate – Dh400
Failure to insure rental quad bike – Dh1,000
Precautions
Wear a helmet, goggles and boots
Advisable to wear chest protector and gloves
Avoid wearing loose clothing
Install a high flagpole when biking in dunes
Keep a first aid kit
Keep a GPS device and mobile
Always check the condition of the bike before going on long rides
Don’t let children under age of 16 ride unmonitored
