Licensing and Confiscation of Violators: A New System for Electric Bicycles and Scooters

Hebron - Afaq News - In light of the rapid spread of electric bicycles and scooters on the streets of the West Bank, accompanied by accidents and chaotic traffic practices that have become a danger to road users, the Ministry of Transport and Communications is moving towards subjecting these means to a comprehensive legal system that regulates their operation and licensing, starting from determining the driver's age and maximum speed, passing through safety measures and theoretical exams, and reaching the issuance of a registration number for each bicycle and confiscating those that are unlicensed after the system comes into effect.

The Director General of Licensing at the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Abdul Rahman Zidan, revealed the main features of the project for the regulation of electric bicycles and scooters, confirming that the ministry is working to complete the legal framework that will transition the handling of these means from a state of unregulated spread to a sector subject to licensing, oversight, and legal accountability.

Zidan's remarks came during an interview on the program 'Good Morning,' presented by media personality Riyad Khamis, which is broadcast on the Ma'an satellite channel, the Ma'an radio network, and Radio Al-Rabia FM.

Widespread Spread and Traffic Chaos

Zidan stated that recent years have witnessed a wide spread of electric bicycles and scooters, but the problem lies, as he described, in their random use and movement on the roads in a manner that may affect traffic flow and pose a danger to their riders and other road users.

He explained that this reality prompted the Ministry of Transport and Communications, under the directives of the Minister of Transport and Communications, to prepare a special regulatory project for the use of bicycles and electric scooters, establishing clear conditions for their licensing and operation.

The Palestinian Cabinet discussed, in its session on September 29, 2026, the first reading of the project for the use of bicycles and electric 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 key points revealed by Zidan is that the draft regulation sets the minimum age for electric bicycle riders at 16 years, in an attempt to prevent children and young minors from using these means on the streets.

He pointed out that the ministry has observed young children riding bicycles and electric scooters amidst vehicle traffic, which increases the level of danger for them and others.

He confirmed that age regulation is not the only measure, as the project includes the requirement for necessary safety equipment, including helmets, lighting, and reflectors for dimly lit areas and roads.

25 kilometers per hour maximum

In one of the most notable points related to traffic regulation, Zidan clarified that the system project sets the maximum speed for electric bicycles at 25 kilometers per hour, in addition to specifying the places and paths where they are allowed to be used.

He emphasized that electric bicycles cannot be treated merely as a means of recreation, especially given their ability to travel at high speeds and be used on public roads, which necessitates subjecting them to clear regulations that protect the user and other citizens.

A license for the driver and a theoretical exam

According to Zidan, the upcoming regulation will not be limited to licensing the bicycle itself, but will also extend to the person who rides it.

He explained that the electric bike rider will need to obtain a special driving license, which will include taking a theoretical exam in traffic departments to ensure their knowledge of traffic rules and safe usage requirements.

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

An official number for each bike

The Director General of Licensing revealed that electric bikes and scooters will be subject, according to the system after its approval and implementation, to an official registration and licensing process, which includes issuing a special number for the bike, making it identifiable and traceable by the relevant authorities.

He pointed out that this will provide the executive authorities, primarily the police and relevant regulatory bodies, with a clearer legal framework to ensure the legality of the bike, the rider obtaining the required license, and compliance with public safety conditions.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications had discussed in July with the Palestinian police and the public prosecution the establishment of a legal and procedural framework to regulate the import, registration, licensing, and use of electric bicycles and scooters, with the participation of Zidan and several relevant officials.

Prohibiting additional passengers except under certain conditions

The interview addressed the phenomenon of carrying more than one person on the electric bicycle or scooter, where Zidan confirmed that the draft regulation also addressed this issue.

He stated that the regulation prohibits carrying an additional passenger on the electric bicycle unless there is a designated and qualified space for that, as part of efforts to reduce misuse that may increase the likelihood of accidents.

This came in response to a phone intervention during the program that discussed some behaviors prevalent in the streets, including riding bicycles and scooters among vehicles, crossing pedestrian crossings with them, carrying more than one person on them, and not adhering to the safe path while riding.

Violations, Seizure, and Confiscation

Regarding the measures that may be applied against violators, Zidan clarified that the draft system includes a legal framework for the seizure and confiscation of unlicensed electric bicycles, similar to the legal procedures followed for illegal vehicles and motorcycles according to the existing frameworks and legislation.

He confirmed that after the system is issued and comes into effect, electric bicycles will be subject to licensing and legal oversight, and their use on the streets will not be free from the supervision of the relevant authorities.

Regarding the start date for implementing the system, Zidan indicated that work is still ongoing to complete the procedures, expecting that the system will come to light in the coming months.

Awareness begins in 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 educate them on the correct way to ride bicycles and electric scooters.

Zidan 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, emphasizing the importance of legal regulation going hand in hand with raising awareness among users of these means.