Dubai E-scooter rules explained: Age, fines, permit and riding zones
Find out the latest e-scooter rules, including speed caps and where to ride legally
Dubai: Electric scooters have become an increasingly popular mode of transport across Dubai, especially for short trips and last-mile commuting. But with their growing use, authorities are also seeing a rise in violations and accidents linked to unsafe riding. Dubai Police seized 656 electric scooters in 2024 due to traffic rule violations.
In the first five months of 2025 alone, the city recorded 13 fatalities due to unsafe road behaviours, nine caused by jaywalking and four resulting from improper e-scooter use.
In response, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police have reinforced efforts to regulate e-scooter use and educate the public. Here’s a detailed guide on what’s allowed, what’s not, and how to stay compliant while riding an e-scooter in Dubai.
Minimum age for riding an e-scooter in Dubai
The minimum age for riding an electric scooter in Dubai is 16, according to the Executive Council Resolution No. (13) of 2022.
This legislation governs the use of bicycles, electric bikes, and electric scooters in the emirate and is aimed at ensuring younger riders are mature enough to understand and follow road safety rules.
Speed limit for e-scooters
The maximum allowed speed is 20 km/h.
Riders must stick to the designated paths and follow all local speed restrictions.
Safety and equipment requirements
To ride an e-scooter legally in Dubai, you must follow these safety protocols:
Wear a helmet and appropriate footwear and clothing.
Keep a safe distance from other road users.
Park only in designated areas to avoid blocking pathways or vehicles.
Do not carry passengers or heavy items that could cause imbalance.
Follow all traffic signs, and dismount at pedestrian crossings.
Avoid using dual headsets while riding.
Your e-scooter must be equipped with:
Front and rear lights
A working horn fixed to the handlebar
Roadworthy tyres
Functional brakes on both front and rear wheels
Carrying e-scooters on the Dubai Metro or Tram
Since October 2024, foldable e-scooters have been permitted onboard the Dubai Metro and Tram. However, there are strict requirements regarding their size and type.
The e-scooter must be foldable, must not have a seat, and should not exceed 120cm in length, 70cm in height, and 40cm in width. It must also weigh no more than 20kg. These guidelines apply during all operating hours of both the Metro and Tram.
Technical and battery requirements
Your e-scooter must:
Use international standard-compliant batteries
Not emit pollutants
Have no dual batteries or modified parts
Be free of any battery damage
What happens if you don’t follow the rules?
Riders of personal mobility devices, including electric scooters and e-bikes, should be aware of the limited legal protection available in cases of non-compliance.
Legal experts have clarified that if an accident occurs due to a rider's negligence, such as violating traffic laws or riding in unauthorised areas -they may not be eligible for insurance coverage.
Additionally, motorists involved in such accidents are generally not held responsible if the rider was at fault, even if injuries or fatalities result.
Where you can ride e-scooters in Dubai
The RTA has approved e-scooter use in specific areas with designated tracks and lanes. These include:
Popular areas with e-scooter Lanes:
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Dubai Internet City
Al Rigga
City Walk
The Palm Jumeirah
2nd of December Street
Residential zones
Al Qusais
Al Mankhool
Al Karama
Al Tawar 1 & 2
Umm Suqeim 3
Al Garhoud
Muhaisnah 3
Umm Hurair 1
Al Safa 2
Al Barsha South 2
Al Barsha 3
Al Quoz 4
Al Qusais 3
Note: Some residential communities have their own rules, including no-go zones or restricted-use areas. Always check local signage and building policies.
Dubai also offers scenic and safe areas for recreational scooter use. These include Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim Beach, the Dubai Canal, and Dubai Marina, where both residents and visitors often ride e-scooters along beachfronts and promenades.
Do you need a permit to ride an e-scooter?
To ride an electric scooter legally in the designated areas, riders must obtain a permit from the RTA. The permit is available free of charge through the RTA’s official website (rta.ae). The process includes attending online lessons, learning e-scooter traffic signs, and passing a short test.
Renting an e-scooter in Dubai
For those who don’t own a personal e-scooter, renting is easy. Four RTA-approved operators offer e-scooter rentals through their mobile apps: Tier, Skurtt, Arnab, and Lime.
These apps are available on both Apple and Android platforms. Riders must ensure their smartphones are connected to the internet to locate, unlock, and end rides. If your phone battery dies mid-ride, you must park the scooter in a designated zone and immediately contact the operator's customer support team.
Common e-scooter violations and fines
Under Executive Council Resolution No. (13) of 2022, authorities have outlined specific fines for violating e-scooter regulations, here are few common ones:
Riding without a valid RTA permit carries a fine of Dh200.
Carrying a passenger on an electric scooter can result in a fine of Dh300.
Riding on roads where the speed limit exceeds 60 km/h is also a violation, punishable by Dh300.
Parking a scooter in non-designated zones or obstructing pedestrian or vehicle traffic may result in a fine of Dh200.
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