Ride Smart in Dubai: Avoid Careem BIKE Fees
May 10, 2025
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Dubai is making serious moves towards becoming a more cycle-friendly city, embracing sustainable transport options 
[3]. Leading the charge is Careem BIKE, the city's main bike-sharing scheme, operated in a significant partnership with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) 
[2][3]
[6]. Launched back in February 2020, it was the first big bike-sharing program in the region and has quickly become a popular way to get around [2][3]. So, how much does it actually cost to use Careem BIKE in Dubai? This article breaks down the membership options, the crucial 45-minute ride rule, and any extra fees you might encounter.
What is Careem BIKE & How Does it Work?
Careem BIKE uses a docked bike-sharing system, meaning bikes must be picked up from and returned to fixed stations scattered across the city 
[1][6]. The main goal? To support Dubai's public transport network, offering a convenient solution for those first or last legs of your journey, especially connecting to Metro stations [2]
[9]. As of mid-2023, the network boasted over 186 solar-powered stations, with ambitious plans to expand to 350 stations eventually [1][3]
[5][6][9]. You'll find both regular pedal bikes and nifty pedal-assisted e-bikes available, designed to make urban commuting easier [5][6][9]. These bikes are built tough for city life, equipped with essentials like bells and lights for safety [1].
Getting Started: Using the Careem BIKE App
First things first, you'll need to download the dedicated Careem BIKE app, available for both iOS and Android devices [1][6]. If you already use the main Careem app, you can log in with those details; otherwise, you'll need to create a new account with your name, email, and phone number [1]
[4]. You'll also need to add your credit or debit card details to pay for your membership 
[8]
[12]. The app is your command center – use it to find nearby stations, see how many bikes are available, choose your membership plan, and manage your account [1][8].
Careem BIKE Membership Plans & Costs
•
Heads Up: There have been recent reports (as of March 2025, via Reddit) suggesting the Monthly Pass price might have increased to AED 99 and could include a limit of 60 unlocks per month 
[15]
[7]. Always verify current prices and terms directly in the Careem BIKE app before purchasing [15]. You might also see "Go Flexi" plans mentioned, which could involve per-minute charges instead of the standard 45-minute included rides [7]
[10]. Be aware that subscriptions often auto-renew unless you cancel them at least 24 hours beforehand [7]. Also, note that access via the broader Careem Plus subscription seems to have been removed, meaning you likely need a specific Careem BIKE pass now [1]
[14][15].
The 45-Minute Rule Explained
This is a really important part of how Careem BIKE pricing works. While your pass gives you unlimited rides during its validity, each single trip is capped at 45 minutes [1][4][8][10]
[11]. Think of it like this: you unlock a bike, ride for up to 45 minutes, and then you must dock it at a station to end that specific trip [4][8]. The good news? As soon as you've docked the bike, you can immediately unlock another one (or even the same one) and start a brand new 45-minute ride [10]
[13]. This system is designed to keep bikes available for short trips and prevent people from holding onto them for too long.
Overage Fees: What Happens if You Exceed 45 Minutes?
So, what if your ride takes longer than 45 minutes? If you don't dock the bike before that 45-minute mark, you'll start incurring overage fees [1][4][10][11]. The standard charge is AED 10 for every extra 30 minutes (or any part of that 30 minutes) you go over the initial 45 [1][4][10][11]. Let me explain with examples: if your ride lasts 60 minutes (15 minutes over), you'll be charged an extra AED 10 [4]. If your ride is 95 minutes long (50 minutes over), that falls into two 30-minute overtime blocks, so you'd be charged AED 20 extra [4]. The key takeaway? Always dock your bike before the 45-minute timer runs out if you want to avoid these additional costs [10].
Penalties & Usage Restrictions to Avoid
Using Careem BIKE comes with responsibilities, and not following the rules can lead to some hefty penalties beyond just overage fees. Be mindful of these potential costs:
•
Membership Sharing: Your pass is just for you. Sharing your account or membership is strictly forbidden and can get your pass cancelled without a refund [7].
Practical Tips to Maximize Value & Avoid Fees
Want to make the most of your Careem BIKE pass without unexpected charges? Here are some practical tips:
•
Confirm Successful Docking: This is crucial! Push the bike firmly into the dock and wait for the yellow light, then the green light and the buzzer sound [1][8]. If you don't get this confirmation, the trip hasn't ended, and you could face charges or penalties [7][8]
[16]. Try another dock if the first one doesn't work [1].
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