Careem BIKE in Dubai: How to Ride, Dock, and Save Money
May 10, 2025
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Dubai is really pushing forward with sustainable transport, and cycling is becoming a bigger part of the picture 
[4]. Enter Careem BIKE, the city's official bike-sharing scheme, born from a partnership between Careem and Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) 
[2][4]
[7]. Launched back in February 2020, it was the first big bike-sharing program in the region and has quickly caught on [2][4]. The whole idea is to boost public transport use and solve that tricky "first and last mile" problem – getting you from the Metro to your final stop, or vice versa [2]
[10]. This guide is your complete walkthrough, based purely on official info, covering everything you need to know to get rolling.
Getting Started: Setting Up Your Careem BIKE Account
First things first, you need the right tool: the Careem BIKE app 
[1][7]. You can grab it from the usual app stores for iOS and Android [1]. This app is your command center – it helps you find stations, see if bikes are free, check out pricing, and manage your account details [1]
[9]. If you already use the main Careem app, you can just log in with those details [1]
[5]. New users? No problem, just sign up with your name, email, and phone number [1][5]. Verification happens pretty much instantly [1]. You'll also need to add a payment method, like a credit or debit card, because you'll need it to buy a membership pass [9]
[16].
Finding Your Ride: Locating Stations and Bikes
Ready to find a bike? Open the Careem BIKE app and use the map feature – it shows all the nearby stations and, crucially, how many bikes are available at each one [1][5][9]. The network is pretty extensive, covering key spots like Dubai Marina, JLT, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and along Jumeirah Beach Road, among many others [1][2][4][7][10]
[13]
[18]. As of mid-2023, there were over 186 stations, with plans for even more [1][4][7][10]. These stations are easy to spot and are solar-powered, which is a nice touch for sustainability 
[6][7][10]. They're often placed near Metro stations and popular areas to make hopping on and off convenient [2][4][10].
Unlocking Your Careem BIKE: Step-by-Step
Okay, you've found a station with bikes. Before you grab one, take a quick look at the light on the dock where the bike is parked [1]
[12]. If it's showing red, that bike is out of action – maybe it's faulty or someone reported an issue using the 'wrench' button [1][12]. If the light is off or green, you're good to go! Unlocking is done through the app using one of two simple methods [1][5][7][12]. You can either scan the QR code located on the bike's frame using the app's scanner [1][12]. Or, the app will give you a 5-digit code that you can type into the keypad on the dock itself [1][5][12]. Once you've done either of these, wait for the magic signal: a green light will flash on the dock, and you'll hear a distinct buzzer sound [1][9][12]. Seriously, wait for that green light and buzz before pulling the bike out – yanking it too early isn't good for the bike or the dock [12]. Once confirmed, just lift the seat or pull the handlebars back, and the bike is yours [5][9][12]. Remember, your trip timer starts the second that bike unlocks [9].
Riding Safely and Legally in Dubai
Hitting the streets? You absolutely must follow the RTA's rules for cyclists [1]. Safety gear is key – think helmets (often required) and protective or reflective clothing, especially if riding when it's dim [1][6]
[11]. Knowing where to ride is crucial. Stick to the designated cycling lanes or safe roads where the speed limit for cars is generally 40 km/h or less [2][6][10]. Some amateur tracks have a 30 km/h limit, and shared paths might be 20 km/h [2][6][10]. Definitely stay off roads where cars go 60 km/h or faster, and keep clear of jogging tracks [1][6]. Also, make sure you stay within the official Careem BIKE service areas [6]. Basic riding etiquette applies: stay in control, no giving friends a lift on the handlebars, don't hang onto moving cars, and always give way to pedestrians [6]
[8][11]. Keep to the right on bike paths, leave space between you and others, and avoid using headphones in both ears [6][8].
Ending Your Trip: How to Dock Your Careem BIKE Correctly
Finished your ride? Time to return the bike. You need to find an official Careem BIKE station with an empty dock [1][9]. Use the app again to locate the nearest one with available slots [1]. When you get there, line up the triangle shape on the front of the bike with the slot on the dock [9]. Push the bike in firmly until it clicks into place [9]. Now, watch and listen carefully for the confirmation: first a yellow light, then a solid green light, accompanied by that familiar buzzer sound [1][9]. This sequence means the bike is securely locked, and crucially, your trip timer has stopped [9]. If you don't see any light, or if a red light appears, the bike isn't docked properly [1][9]. Pull it out and try again, maybe in a different empty slot [1]. Getting this right is super important to avoid extra charges or even hefty penalties if the bike is considered abandoned [8]. It's always a good idea to quickly check your app too, just to be sure the trip has officially ended 
[20].
Understanding Costs: Memberships, Ride Limits & Fees
Careem BIKE works on a membership basis – you need to buy a pass to ride [2][5][6]. There are usually a few options, though prices can change, so always check the app for the latest [1][13][18]. Typically, you might see a Daily Pass (around AED 20), a Weekly Pass (around AED 50), a Monthly Pass (around AED 75, though some users reported a potential increase to AED 99 with a 60-ride limit in early 2025), and an Annual Pass (around AED 420) [1][13][18]
[19]. These passes usually auto-renew, so remember to cancel at least 24 hours beforehand if you don't want them to [8]. There might also be "Go Flexi" plans with per-minute charges [8][12]. Heads up: if you have Careem Plus, bike access might not be included anymore; you likely need a separate bike pass [1][18][19]. Now, here's the key thing about ride time: while your pass gives you unlimited rides, each individual trip is capped at 45 minutes [1][5][9][12][13]. Go over that 45-minute limit on a single ride, and you'll face overage charges – usually AED 10 for every extra 30 minutes (or part of it) [1][5][12][13]. Want to ride longer? Just dock the bike before 45 minutes are up, then you can immediately unlock it (or another one) to start a fresh 45-minute session [12]
[17].
Important Rules & Potential Penalties
Using the service comes with responsibilities, and breaking the rules can be costly. If a bike gets damaged or lost while you've rented it, you could be liable for up to AED 3,000 (or around $1,000 USD according to some sources) [1][8]. Failing to dock the bike properly or leaving it unsecured can also lead to significant penalties, potentially up to $1,000 USD [8]. Misuse like carrying passengers, doing stunts, or towing things is strictly forbidden and can get your account suspended [8]. Remember, your membership is just for you – sharing it is a big no-no and can lead to cancellation without a refund [8]. Careem also monitors usage; for example, taking more than 60 rides in a month on a monthly pass might trigger a review or suspension, ensuring fair access for everyone [8][19]. Using the bikes for commercial deliveries without permission is also prohibited [8].
Handling Bike Problems & Getting Support
What if you grab a bike and realize it has a flat tire or something's broken? If you can, ride it carefully to the nearest station and dock it [1][9]. Once it's docked, press the red button with the 'wrench' symbol on the dock [1][9]. This flags the bike for maintenance and turns the dock light red so no one else takes it [1][9]. If the bike is seriously busted and you can't move it, or if you're having trouble docking and can't get it locked, you need to contact Careem customer service [1][9]. Their support is generally available from 8 AM to 11 PM [1][9]. If you can't reach them immediately, you might be responsible for keeping the bike safe until you can report the issue properly through the app [1][9].
Quick Tips for a Smooth Ride
Want to make your Careem BIKE experience seamless? Here are a few pointers:
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