Licensing and confiscating violators...a new system for electric bicycles and scooters

Hebron - Ofoq News - In light of the rapid spread of electric bicycles and scooters in the streets of the West Bank, and the accompanying accidents and random traffic practices that have become a danger to road users, the Ministry of Transport and Communications is moving to subject these means to an integrated legal system that regulates their driving and licensing, starting from determining the age of the driver and the maximum speed, passing through safety methods and theoretical examination, all the way to granting each bicycle an official number and confiscating the unlicensed one after the system enters into force.

The Director General of Licensing at the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Abdul Rahman Zidan, revealed the most prominent features of the draft system for the use of electric bicycles and scooters, stressing that the Ministry is working to complete the legal framework that will transfer dealing with these means from a state of unregulated proliferation to a sector subject to licensing, oversight and legal accountability.

Zidane’s speech came during an interview within the “Good Morning” program, presented by journalist Riyad Khamis, and broadcast on Ma’an satellite channel, Ma’an radio network, and Al-Faba FM Radio.

Wide spread and traffic chaos

Zidane said that recent years have witnessed a widespread proliferation of electric bicycles and scooters, but the problem, according to his description, lies in the indiscriminate use and movement of them on the roads in a way that may affect traffic movement and pose a danger to their drivers and to the rest of the road users.

He explained that this reality prompted the Ministry of Transport and Communications, under the guidance of the Minister of Transport and Communications, to prepare a draft special system that regulates the use of electric bicycles and scooters and sets clear conditions for their licensing and driving.

In its session on September 29, 2026, the Palestinian Council of Ministers discussed, in the first reading, the draft system for the use of electric bicycles and scooters, as part of an approach to legally regulate the sector, address the risks associated with misuse, and enhance public safety.

The minimum age is 16 years

One of the most prominent provisions revealed by Zidane is that the draft law sets the age of an electric bike driver at at least 16 years, in an attempt to prevent children and young people from driving these devices on the streets.

He pointed out that the Ministry monitors the presence of young children riding electric bicycles and scooters amid vehicle traffic, which raises the level of danger to them and others.

He stressed that regulating age is not the only measure, as the project includes requiring the necessary safety means, including helmets, lighting, and reflectors for dark areas and roads.

25 kilometers per hour maximum

In one of the most important points related to traffic regulation, Zidane explained that the draft system sets the maximum speed for electric bicycles at 25 kilometers per hour, in addition to specifying the places and paths in which they are allowed to be used.

He stressed that the electric bike cannot be treated as a mere means of entertainment, especially with its ability to travel at high speeds and be used on public roads, which requires that it be subject to clear controls that protect its user and the rest of the citizens.

Driver's license and theoretical exam

According to Zidane, the expected regulation will not be limited to licensing the bike itself, but will also extend to the person who drives it.

He explained that the electric bike driver will need to obtain his own driving license, provided that this includes taking a theoretical exam in traffic circles, to ensure his knowledge of traffic rules and requirements for safe use.

He added that the system will also determine the legal responsibilities of the bike driver in the event of a traffic accident, in addition to regulating violations and penalties related to its use.

An official number for each bike

The Director General of Licensing revealed that, according to the system after its approval and entry into force, electric bicycles and scooters will be subject to an official registration and licensing process, which includes issuing a special number for the bicycle, making it identifiable and follow-up by the competent authorities.

He pointed out that this will give the executive authorities, especially the police and the relevant supervisory authorities, a clearer legal framework to ensure that the bike is legal, that the driver obtains the required license, and adheres to public safety conditions.

Last July, the Ministry of Transport and Communications discussed with the Palestinian Police and the Public Prosecution the development of a legal and procedural framework to regulate the import, registration, licensing and use of electric bicycles and scooters, with the participation of Zidane and a number of specialized officials.

Preventing an additional passenger except under conditions

The interview touched on the phenomenon of loading more than one person on a bicycle or electric scooter, as Zidane confirmed that the system project also addressed this issue.

He said that the system prevents transporting an additional passenger on an electric bike unless it has a designated and qualified place for that, in order to limit misuse that may increase the possibility of accidents.

This came in response to a telephone interview during the program that addressed some of the common behaviors on the streets, including riding bicycles and scooters between vehicles, crossing pedestrian crosswalks, carrying more than one person on them, and not adhering to the safe lane while driving.

Violations, seizure and confiscation

Regarding the procedures that may be applied against violators, Zidane explained that the draft system includes a legal treatment for the file of seizure and confiscation of unlicensed electric bicycles, similar to the legal procedures followed against illegal vehicles and motorcycles in accordance with the frameworks and legislation in force.

He stressed that after the issuance of the system and its entry into force, electric bicycles will become subject to licensing and legal follow-up, and their use on the streets will not be outside the supervision of the competent authorities.

Regarding the start date of implementing the system, Zidane indicated that work is still underway to complete the procedures, expecting the system to see the light within the next few months.

Awareness starts from schools

The discussion was not limited to the legal aspect and penalties, as calls emerged during the interview to enhance traffic culture among school students and youth, and to acquaint them with the correct way to ride bicycles and electric scooters.

Zidane explained that the Ministry of Transport and Communications has traffic awareness programs that include visits to schools and kindergartens and providing guidance and awareness brochures, stressing the importance of legal regulation proceeding in parallel with raising awareness among users of these means.