Dubai, UAE: Careem, the popular ride-hailing and food delivery service, has announced its plans to introduce electric delivery bikes on the bustling roads of Dubai by the end of the month.
This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the city’s Roads and Transport Authority, aligns with Careem’s commitment to providing more environmentally friendly and carbon-neutral transport options.
While specific details about the initial fleet size remain undisclosed, a senior representative from Careem, Sami Amin, Senior Director of Operations for Careem Bike, revealed the ambitious goal of having 1,000 electric bikes traversing Dubai’s roads by the end of the coming year.
“It’s essential to us to improve our region, and one way of doing this is to support the net-zero objectives of the UAE,” emphasized Amin, highlighting the company’s dedication to contributing to the UAE’s environmental goals.
Careem currently utilizes combustion engine motorbikes for its delivery riders, commonly called captains. The shift towards electric bikes is a strategic move to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and significantly diminish the environmental impact of traditional combustion engines.
Amin emphasized the benefits of the transition, stating, “It will allow us to continue to drop our delivery costs, which might translate to a cost-saving to our customer by improving the operating expenses of our captains.
It will also help us reduce our carbon footprint; we want to keep pushing that down.”
The move towards electric bikes is poised to bring about several positive changes, not only for Careem as a service provider but also for the delivery riders.
A subscription service will be introduced, allowing riders unlimited battery swaps at various stations across Dubai, alleviating the financial burden of fuel costs currently borne by riders.
In addition to the environmental advantages, electric bikes are expected to save riders at least 15% of their monthly expenses, a significant relief for those who have been grappling with fluctuating fuel prices.
Adam Ridgway, founder of OneMoto, a local manufacturer of electric bikes, highlighted the impact on riders, stating, “Because of the fluctuations in price, the riders over the past year have spent between Dh630 and Dh800 per month on fuel directly out of their own pockets.”
As the UAE hosts the COP28 climate change conference, Careem’s commitment to sustainable practices aligns with Dubai’s recent pledge to achieve a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030.
This move towards a greener and more sustainable future not only positions Careem as a leader in the regional transport industry but also sets a precedent for the integration of electric vehicles in the broader context of urban mobility and delivery services.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members