Starting May 1, 2026, Dubai has launched the Personal Mobility Monitoring Unit – a dedicated enforcement body created by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police to patrol cycling tracks, main roads, and flexible mobility zones. The unit’s officers ride e-scooters and other designated vehicles bearing official insignia, and have the authority to issue fines on the spot and impound non-compliant devices in coordination with Emirates Auction LLC. This marks a major shift from sporadic enforcement to systematic, visible monitoring across the emirate.
The unit’s specific mandate includes monitoring unsafe behaviours, enforcing violations related to bicycles and electric scooters, and cracking down on reckless riding. Riders can expect to see enforcement teams in high-traffic “hotspots” including Jumeirah Beach Track, Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai Water Canal pathways, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, and residential areas such as Al Mankhool, Al Karama, Al Hamriya, Al Raffa, and Al Muraqqabat.
Who This Applies To – And The Critical Exemption
The rules apply to all e-scooter riders in Dubai. However, a key exemption exists: holders of a valid UAE driving licence, motorcycle licence, or an accepted international driving licence are exempt from applying for the e-scooter permit. They must still carry their licence while riding and follow all e-scooter-specific rules.
For everyone else – including residents without a driving licence, tourists, and young riders – a free e-scooter permit is mandatory.
How to Get Your Free E-Scooter Permit (Digital-Only Process)
The permit application is entirely digital and free of charge. Access is available through RTA’s website, the RTA Dubai app, or the Dubai Now app.
Step-by-step process:
- Log in or create an account (requires Emirates ID for residents, passport for visitors, and a UAE mobile number)
- Select the service “E-Scooter Riding Permit”
- Complete the online training – review instructional materials covering traffic safety rules and safe riding fundamentals
- Take the online theoretical test (multiple-choice assessment taking approximately 20 minutes)
- Upon passing, receive the digital permit via email, SMS, or directly through the RTA app
Permit is issued electronically and must be shown to inspectors if requested. There is no fee for the permit, training, or test.
Minimum Age Requirement
The minimum age for riding an e-scooter in Dubai is 16 years. Riders under 12 are not permitted to ride independently and must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or above. Under Dubai’s new legislation, parents can now be prosecuted if their children are harmed while using scooters or cause injuries to others. The law explicitly states that parents can be held accountable for dangers posed to their children and others for misusing e-scooters.
Designated Riding Zones Where E-Scooters Are Permitted
According to RTA regulations, e-scooters are permitted only in designated districts with dedicated cycling and e-scooter tracks. These areas include:
- Umm Suqeim
- Jumeirah
- Downtown Dubai
- Dubai Marina
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT)
- Internet City
- Al Khawaneej
- Mushrif Park
- Al Barsha
Popular recreational spots where e-scooters are commonly ridden include Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim Beach, Dubai Canal, and Dubai Marina – but riders must stay strictly on approved cycling and e-scooter lanes, not on pedestrian promenades.
Areas Where E-Scooters Are Prohibited
To avoid fines, riders must never use e-scooters in the following locations:
- Major highways
- Roads with speed limits exceeding 60 km/h
- Pedestrian-only sidewalks, non-designated pavements, and jogging/sports tracks
- Inside Metro stations or on platforms
- Exclusion zones: Saih Al Salam, Al Qudra, and Al Meydan
Many private residential communities also have specific “no-go zones” or restricted policies. Always check local signage.
Technical Requirements for Your E-Scooter
The RTA requires e-scooters to meet the following technical standards:
- Maximum speed must be set to 20 km/h
- Working front headlight and rear light
- A horn fixed to the handlebar
- Roadworthy tyres
- Functional brakes on both front and rear wheels
- No dual batteries or modified parts
- Must be manufactured or tailored to suit the climatic conditions of the UAE
E-scooters must comply with specifications approved by the authorities responsible for setting standards.
Carrying E-Scooters on Dubai Metro and Tram
Since October 2024, foldable e-scooters have been permitted onboard the Dubai Metro and Tram, subject to strict conditions:
- The e-scooter must be foldable
- Must not have a seat
- Maximum dimensions: 120cm in length, 70cm in height, 40cm in width
- Maximum weight: 20kg
- These restrictions apply during all operating hours
Fines & Penalties for Violations (2026)
The table below summarises the most common penalties under the new enforcement regime.
| Violation | Fine (AED) | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Riding without a valid permit (where required) | 200 | Possible vehicle confiscation |
| Riding outside designated or authorised areas | 200 – 300 | Scooter may be impounded |
| Riding on jogging or sports tracks | 200 | Immediate fine |
| Riding on roads with speed limit >60 km/h | 300 | Enforced by Dubai Police |
| Not wearing a helmet | 200 | Safety gear violation |
| Carrying a passenger (tandem riding) | 300 | Strictly prohibited |
| Reckless driving or endangering public safety | Up to 1,050 | Vehicle impoundment + possible riding ban |
| Illegal modification of e-scooter | Impoundment | AED 50,000 release fee applies |
In some residential communities like Town Square, additional fines of AED 1,050 can be imposed on riders who break the rules. For high-risk violations under Decree 30 (such as endangering life or property), the impound release fee can reach AED 50,000.
Why Enforcement Has Intensified – The Numbers
Dubai’s stricter enforcement is driven by concerning statistics. Dubai Police seized 656 electric scooters in 2024 due to traffic 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. During a recent safety drive, officers issued about 14,000 fines to e-scooter and bicycle riders for different breaches.
Safety Equipment Checklist for Every Ride
Under RTA regulations, every ride requires:
- Helmet – mandatory
- Reflective jacket – mandatory
- Appropriate footwear and clothing – closed-toe shoes
- Lights – front headlight and rear light fitted and operational
- Horn – fixed to the handlebar
- Proper brakes – functional on both wheels
Riders must also:
- Dismount at pedestrian crossings and walk the scooter across
- Leave a safe distance between other riders, cyclists, and pedestrians
- Park only in designated areas
- Not carry passengers or heavy items that could cause imbalance
- Refrain from using dual headsets
- Avoid blocking the way of pedestrians and vehicles
Expert Perspectives on Non-Compliance
The main problem, according to road safety experts, is not a lack of rules but a lack of compliance. Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, notes that many riders still ignore basic safety equipment and proper road behaviour. Visible monitoring acts as a deterrent – when people know someone is watching, they are more likely to follow the rules. Education is equally important, with parents and schools playing a vital role in improving awareness among young riders.
Disposal of E-Scooters After Expiry
In 2026, RTA also clarified regulations regarding the disposal of expired or unsafe e-scooters. Authorities have introduced protocols for the safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries and non-functional scooters through designated e-waste collection points. Riders are prohibited from disposing of e‑scooters or their batteries in regular waste bins, and violations may result in additional environmental fines.
Reporting Violations
The public is encouraged to report unsafe e-scooter use through the Dubai Police app using the “Police Eye” service, or by calling the non-emergency number 901.
