Transport Authority: Mandatory operating card for bicycle and scooter rentals
The Public Transport Authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced new regulatory measures aimed at controlling the light transport sector, requiring all establishments operating in the activity of renting bicycles and scooters to obtain an “operating card” for each bicycle or scooter, while adhering to a set of basic technical equipment to ensure the safety of vehicles and raise the quality of services provided to beneficiaries.
Technical requirements to enhance safety
The authority emphasized the necessity of equipping rental vehicles with specific features, including a mobile phone holder, a cup holder, and a rear tire cover. Scooters must also be equipped with a precise tracking device. Regarding bicycles, the authority mandated that operators install a protective chain cover covering both the top and bottom of the chain to prevent accidents and ensure smooth operation.
The authority stressed that the application of these approved technical specifications is a fundamental pillar for raising the level of safety on public roads and ensuring the quality of vehicles used in rental activities, in accordance with the land transport system and the executive regulations for bicycle rental activities.
A regulatory framework that aligns with Vision 2030
This step is part of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Public Transport Authority to regulate the rapidly growing micro-mobility sector in Saudi cities. Regulating this sector is an integral part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and Quality of Life Program, which aim to diversify transportation options and reduce overall reliance on private cars for short distances, thereby contributing to easing traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions.
In recent years, the Authority has worked to develop legislative frameworks that ensure the safe and organized integration of these modern means into the public transport system, thus overcoming the challenges that may arise from haphazard operation, such as the accumulation of bicycles in undesignated places or the use of vehicles that do not meet safety standards.
Detailed specifications for the operating card
In detailing the card's technical specifications, the authority clarified that the card's operating panel must measure 10 x 5 cm, be made of aluminum, and be white-painted on both sides. It also stipulated that the numbers must be printed in black ink, 33 dots in size, within a black frame 3 dots thick.
The card includes a QR code (1.5 x 1.5 cm) in the upper left corner containing all the card's data, with the words "Operating Card" printed in 7 dots below the code. The authority emphasized the necessity of painting the data directly onto the card and not using adhesive tape to prevent damage or forgery.
Call to investors and compliance
In closing, the Public Transport Authority urged all investors and stakeholders in this vital sector to carefully review the technical specifications document and promptly apply for the necessary licenses through the Authority's official website. This emphasis aims to ensure a fair and regulated investment environment that protects investors' rights while simultaneously guaranteeing the safety and comfort of road users throughout the Kingdom.
