The Government of Aruba is taking an important step to strengthen law enforcement, traffic safety, and the protection of users and pedestrians through a general warning directed at businesses, owners, and other individuals offering electric steps, electric bicycles, and electric scooters for use in public spaces without the legally required permit.
The Minister of Justice, Integration, Public Transport, and Energy, Mr. Drs. Arthur Dowers, indicated that innovation and modern mobility have their place in our society, but always within the legal framework that applies to all operators and users.
Compliance with the law is not an option but an obligation. When commercial activities are offered to the public for use on public roads, these activities must comply with the requirements stipulated by law to protect the safety, public order, and general interest of the community.
The Government notes that in Aruba, electric vehicles such as electric steps, electric bicycles, and electric scooters are being offered for rent to the public for use on public roads without having the mandatory permit required by law for this type of commercial activity.
Minister Dowers considers that electric steps, electric bicycles, and electric scooters fall under the category of rental motor vehicles (Landsverordening personenvervoer / National Ordinance on Passenger Transport) when they:
Are rented for payment (commercial activity);
Are offered without a driver;
Are used on or from public roads;
Are moved partially or completely by a motor (mechanically);
Do not have a closed bodywork.
Minister Dowers emphasized that this matter is not only a question of permits, but also of public safety.
One of the primary objectives is to protect users, pedestrians, and other road users. Traffic safety is a shared responsibility and must be accompanied by compliance with the standards that regulate the use of vehicles on public roads.
The Government recognizes that different new forms of transportation and mobility continue to develop rapidly. Precisely for that reason, it is important that innovation and commercial activity develop in an orderly, responsible manner and in accordance with the law.
In this context, the competent authorities are granting a period of 14 calendar days following the official publication of the general warning for involved individuals or businesses to take the necessary measures to halt activities that do not comply with the law or to regularize their situation according to the applicable legal requirements.
During this period, the competent authorities will continue to reinforce control and coordination to verify compliance with current laws and to inform stakeholders about their legal responsibilities.
Minister Dowers emphasized that Aruba has a permit system that exists to protect the public interest and to ensure that commercial activities in public spaces are carried out in a safe, orderly, and responsible manner.
The Government reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a balance between innovation, economic development, and law enforcement. At the same time, competent authorities will continue to take action in situations where public safety, public order, or compliance with the law may be affected.
The Government calls on all operators and individuals involved to cooperate with the competent authorities and take the necessary measures within the indicated period. Through collaboration, responsibility, and respect for the law, Aruba can continue to strengthen its reputation as a safe, stable, and reliable country.
The official notice is published in the Landscourant (Edition 11 of the year 2026) and is available as of May 29, 2026, at https://www.gobierno.aw/nl/landscouranten.
