Electric bikes have replaced bicycles as a cheaper and greener mode of transport. But ROP has warned the users not to use them on main roads as they can choke traffic and cause accidents. Doctors caution that riding without a helmet risks head injury.
"Vehicles powered by motors are restricted to occupy main roads as they can cause accidents and traffic snarls. Accordingly, bikes with less than 70 cc are not allowed to ride on the roads," the ROP spokesperson said.
"For me, electric bikes are convenient to travel from my residence to my workplace and back four times a day. It saves me my transport charges and gives freedom of travel," an expat employee working for a shopping mall in Qurum said.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channels. Click here
These bikes are mostly used by workers, salespeople, and others for short trips thereby saving money and time.
They are more efficient and less polluting than petrol scooters and have a higher energy conversion rate. They are economical as they can travel longer distances on a single charge than petrol scooters on a full tank. In terms of safety too, these small, noiseless two-wheelers are generally considered safer because they are more stable and easier to control, thanks to their powerful brakes.
However, they are not without any dangers.
Speaking to the Observer, Dr Dilip Singhvi, a specialist in internal medicine, said that it's risky to drive such small scooties on the roads as here we have higher speed limits. "Also it's all the more risky to drive without a helmet. The risk of head injury increases tremendously in case of a hit. Restricting them to inner roads would be more prudent," Dr Dilip said.
E-scooters are available online at a price of RO150-250.
However their usage is limited in the country as they are capable of reaching speeds of over 30mph and can be very dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced user. According to the ROP statistics, accidents involving e-scooters have resulted in fatalities in numerous countries.
The battery capacity of these scooters varies between 10 Wh and 100 Wh and a motor power output between 0.5 kW and 3 kW.
In light of these, e-scooters are not allowed on roads at all times. However, they can be used on pavements and sidewalks without causing inconvenience or risks to pedestrians.
Countries across the world are supporting and promoting the use of e-bikes as alternatives to traditional vehicles that use fossil fuels.
Although these bikes are privately owned, many countries promote renting them to those who can't afford it as part of the local government’s smart mobility initiatives to reduce carbon emissions.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
