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Home /Safety/Community Safety/Road Safety/ Micromobility Device Use – E-Scooters

Micromobility Device Use – E-Scooters

For the purposes of this guidance, “university campus” and “university property” refer to all areas within KAUST.

Purpose and Scope

KAUST supports the safe use of micromobility devices (MMDs), including e-scooters, as a convenient and sustainable transport option. When used responsibly, they improve mobility and reduce reliance on cars and buses. This guidance outlines safe use requirements in line with the KAUST Road Safety Code. All riders share responsibility for maintaining a safe environment for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and other MMD users. It applies to MMDs used on KAUST roads and pathways, excluding internal combustion engine devices, wheelchairs, and other assistive mobility aids.

KAUST Road Safety Code

KAUST Road Safety Code

The KAUST Road Safety Code is a procedure developed in support of the Traffic and Vehicle Safety Policy. It documents the road safety requirements applicable across the KAUST campus and serves as a reference resource for the community, HSE, and Security.

Micromobility Device (MMD)

For the purposes of this guidance, micromobility devices include alternative personal transportation modes such as electric scooters (e-scooters), electric bicycles (e-bikes).

Micromobility Device (MMD)

Rules of the Road for E-Scooters

KAUST distinguishes between basic commuter e-scooters and higher-powered models. Basic commuter scooters are treated similarly to bicycles under the KAUST Road Safety Code, while higher-powered devices require additional controls. These requirements ensure that higher-powered scooters, which can reach higher speeds, are subject to additional safety controls. The table below shows the difference between pre-existing e-scooter types and new models with the above requirements (Based on KAUST Road Safety Code – Section 3.3):

 

  Basic Commuter E-Scooter Type Other Models
 

 

 

  
Motor Power <350 W Any scooter ≥ 350W
Battery Voltage <36 V ≥36V
Visible label showing motor power Not required Required
Speedometer Not required Required
Brakes Required Required
Passengers allowed

(riding in a dedicated pillion seat)

 Not allowed 1
A valid driving license

(Meeting the requirements of KSA)

 Not required Required
Valid insurance Not required Not Required
KAUST registration plate Not required Required
Age restriction* No* Yes
Indicators Preferred, not required Required
White light at the front Required Required
Red light at the back Required Required
Approved helmet when riding Required Required

Note*Parents are responsible for deciding when their child is ready to ride an e-scooter and for ensuring that safety requirements are met.

 

  • Yield to pedestrians at all times and ride with care in shared spaces.
  • Maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters from pedestrians to ensure safe passing.
  • Dismount and walk your device across pedestrian crossings.
  • Ride in the same direction as traffic and keep to the right-hand side of the road.
  • Obey all traffic controls, including STOP signs, traffic lights, road markings, and KAUST traffic regulations.
  • Keep pathways, sidewalks, stairways, ramps, and building entrances and exits clear when parking or stopping.
  • Park responsibly and ensure emergency exits and safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and AEDs, remain accessible at all times.
  • Wear an approved bicycle helmet that meets international safety standards (e.g., ANSI Z90/4 or CE EN 1078).
  • Ensure your device is visible to others by using a working white front light and a red rear light.
  • Maintain your device in a safe and roadworthy condition, including brakes, lights, and tires.
  • Avoid distractions while riding—mobile phones or handheld devices must not be used while operating an e-scooter.

KAUST Plate Issuance

All vehicle plate requests should be submitted via https://vms.kaust.edu.sa.

New request: Ensure that all request attachments are correct, valid, and complete.

  • A  driver license recognized by KSA.
  • A registration document (Any documents proving the vehicle’s ownership, e.g., purchase order, sale invoices, email agreement, etc.)

Cancellation or transfer: Anyone wishing to cancel or transfer ownership of a vehicle plate must submit a request through https://vms.kaust.edu.sa.

Lost & found plate: Cases of lost and found plates must be reported to Security through the online reporting channel.

Age and Training Requirements

Riders under the age of 16 (Hijri) must complete the KAUST HSE online road safety training course before riding an e-scooter. However, parents are responsible for determining when their child is ready to safely operate an e-scooter and are accountable for their safe riding of e-scooters.

For training access, follow these steps within the KAUST Central App:

1. Open the KAUST Central App.

 

2. Select Traffic.

 

3. Tap on Driving Permit, then select Request Driving Permit.

 

4. Request a driving permit

 

5. Choose E-scooter from the list.

 

6. Complete the Formstack application and click Submit.

 

Once you have submitted your form, the HSE team will receive your application and enroll you in the online training course.

After you successfully complete the training, an e-scooter icon will automatically appear in the top right corner of your electronic KAUST ID within the app. This icon serves as your official digital permit.

Permitted and Prohibited Zones

  • Permitted: Cycle lanes and KAUST roads.
  • Prohibited: No riding inside buildings, Campus service tunnels, sidewalks, footpaths, and Discovery Square. The rules for micromobility use on the Academic Campus were previously communicated in The Lens.

To prevent close contact with pedestrians, electric-powered micromobility on Campus may only be ridden on the designated pathway behind Buildings 2 to 5. This route allows for efficient travel with access to academic buildings while keeping the main pedestrian areas safe. Please refer to the map below indicating the authorized pathway (////).

If you are in other areas of the Campus, electric devices must be switched to human-powered mode or pushed manually.

 

Battery Safety

Lithium-ion batteries require careful handling to reduce fire risk. To help protect people and property, micromobility devices must not be stored or charged inside KAUST buildings where people work, study, or attend classes or lectures, nor at exterior outlets or in communal areas such as hallways, lounges, or stairwells.

To charge and store batteries safely:

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when charging your device.
  • Use only manufacturer-approved chargers and batteries.
  • Charge devices on a stable, dry surface in a well-ventilated area.
  • Keep batteries away from combustible materials and heat sources.
  • Monitor charging and avoid leaving devices charging overnight unattended.
  • Stop using the device immediately if the battery overheats, leaks, emits unusual odors, or shows signs of damage.
  • Disconnect the charger once the battery is fully charged and store batteries away from combustible materials.
  • Protect electrical circuits by plugging chargers directly into a wall outlet and avoiding the use of power strips or extension cords.
  • Dispose of lithium-ion batteries safely—never place them in regular trash. For safe battery disposal, contact the C&C Helpdesk at 959 (KAUST landline) or 012 808 0959 (mobile).

Report Traffic Violations to Security

At KAUST, anyone in the community can report traffic violations.

  • For incidents that are “in-progress” now – Call 911 (Landline) or (012) 8080 911 (mobile) immediately.
  • For incidents that aren’t in progress, use the Traffic Complaints feature on the KAUSTCentral app.
  • Alternatively, you can fill out the Traffic Complaint

Providing accurate and complete information when submitting a report enables Security to follow up and investigate effectively. Missing or inaccurate information may delay or limit the investigation.