Dubai e-scooter guide 2026: Permit, rules, fines, speed limits and where you can ride

Dubai: Over the past decade, you’ve likely seen a rise in e-scooters around the city. This micro-mobility solution offers a convenient way to get around, especially for short distances, but comes with its own special set of regulations and considerations. Ensure you’re following the rules, and staying safe, as you zip around Dubai on your e-scooter, with our comprehensive guide below. E-scooter rules and regulations The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police have strict legislations in place for e-scooter use, in order to ensure public safety, based on Executive Council Resolution No. (13) of 2022. Here’s what you need to know: Minimum age: The minimum age for riding an electric scooter is 16. This legislation also extends to the use of bicycles and electric bicycles. Speed limit: The maximum speed limit for e-scooters is set at 20km/h. Permit: The rider must have a valid permit from the RTA in order to ride the e-scooter legally. However, if you have a UAE driving licence or a valid international driving licence, you are exempt from obtaining this permit. Safety regulations: The RTA outlines a number of safety-related stipulations for users of e-scooters: Wear a protective helmet, appropriate gear and closed-toe, non-slip shoes. Helmets are mandatory for all riders. Wear reflective or high-visibility clothing, especially at night, so other road users can see you. Do not carry anything heavy that causes an e-scooter to imbalance. No passengers are permitted on e-scooters. Refrain from using a dual headset or your phone when riding, as it limits awareness and increases the risk of accidents. The e-scooter must be manufactured and tailored according to the climatic conditions and specifications of the UAE. The e-scooter must comply with the specifications approved by the authorities concerned with setting e-scooter specifications and standards. These include the following: The headlights and rear lights must be in working order, the horn must be fixed on the T-bar or steering arm, the tyres must be roadworthy, and there must be functional brakes on the front and rear tyres. Road and traffic regulations Look out for cycling lane signs – they show you where e-scooters are permitted. Stay within the marked lanes to ride safely. File photograph. As with any other vehicle, e-scooter riders are expected to follow all traffic rules and adhere to road markings. Here are the regulations, outlined by Dubai Police’s Aman Roads service, a smart digital platform designed to promote traffic awareness, improve driver behaviour, and support the Dubai Traffic Safety Strategy 2030: Follow speed limits: Obey local e-scooter speed limits (a maximum of 20km/h), which may differ from other vehicles, like bicycles, in shared zones. These speed limits will be clearly mentioned on road signs by the RTA. Maintain safe distance: E-scooter riders must keep a safe distance from other road users. Give way to pedestrians: Always slow down or dismount at pedestrian crossings or in crowded areas. Use cycling lane signs: Look out for cycling lane signs – they show you where e-scooters are permitted. Stay within the marked lanes to ride safely. Watch for no-ride zones: Certain signs indicate areas where e-scooters are prohibited. Avoid these to stay safe and compliant. Park responsibly: Use designated e-scooter parking spots to avoid cluttering footpaths and receiving a fine. Use foldable e-scooters when using public transport: Since October 2024, the RTA permits foldable e-scooters on the Dubai Metro and Tram, as long as they adhere to the following stipulations: The e-scooter must be foldable and must not have a seat. It should not exceed 120cm in length, 70cm in height, and 40cm in width. It must weigh no more than 20kg. How to apply for an e-scooter permit In order to ride an e-scooter within designated RTA tracks and specified safe zones in Dubai, users must obtain a permit from the authorities. This ensures that all riders are aware of the rules and regulations, contributing to the overall safety and efficiency of the e-scooter initiative. However, it’s important to note that holders of UAE driving licences, valid international driving licences, or driving licences issued in a country that is on the exception list, are exempt from the requirement of obtaining an e-scooter driving permit, in accordance with the Cabinet and Ministry of Interior resolutions. You can apply for a driving via the RTA website or RTA Dubai app, or via the Dubai Now app. Follow these steps to apply for an e-scooter permit. Apply via the RTA website: Visit rta.ae and navigate to ‘RTA Services’. Select ‘Apply for an Electrical Scooter Driving Permit’. If you don’t have an RTA account or a Traffic File, you must create one before applying for the service. You can do so by logging in with your UAE PASS, or manually entering your Emirates ID or passport details. Once you have submitted your Emirates ID or passport details, as well as your personal cont