E-Scooter Guides
Dubai E-Scooter Rules 2026: RTA Permit, Where to Ride and Fines
Oct
To ride an e-scooter legally in Dubai in 2026 you must be at least 16, hold a free RTA e-scooter permit or a valid driving licence, wear a helmet, ride alone on RTA-designated tracks and keep to the 20 km/h limit. Since 1 May 2026 a joint RTA and Dubai Police Personal Mobility Monitoring Unit has been enforcing these rules on cycle tracks, main streets and soft-mobility zones. Here is everything you need to know before you ride.
Do you need a permit?
Yes, unless you hold a valid UAE or international driving licence. If you have a licence, carry it every time you ride. Without one, you need the free RTA e-scooter riding permit; riding without either is a AED 200 fine. The permit is also required when you rent a scooter.
How to get the RTA e-scooter permit
- Open the RTA website (rta.ae), the RTA Dubai app or the Dubai Now app.
- Search for “Apply for an Electrical Scooter Driving Permit” and log in or create an account.
- Complete the online training on traffic safety and safe scooter use.
- Pass the short theory test.
- Download the electronic permit and keep it on your phone.
The permit is free, and you must be 16 or older to apply.
Speed limits
The RTA sets the maximum e-scooter speed at 20 km/h on designated paths in residential areas and beaches. Some streets shared with vehicles carry a posted limit of 30 km/h. Always follow the signs on the track. Breaking the speed limit is a AED 100 fine.
Many scooters, including most models above AED 2,000, can go much faster than this. Ride them in their lowest speed mode on public tracks; their top speed is for private land and off-road use.
Where you can and cannot ride
You can ride on RTA-designated e-scooter tracks and shared lanes. The RTA list includes Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai Internet City, 2nd December Street, City Walk, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Street, Al Karama, Al Mankhool, Al Rigga, Al Qusais, Al Nahda, Al Garhoud, Umm Suqeim 3, Al Barsha 3 and Al Barsha South 2. The RTA adds areas over time, so check the latest map in the RTA Dubai app.
You cannot ride:
- on roads with a speed limit above 60 km/h
- on pavements, walking or jogging tracks
- on cycling-only tracks such as Al Qudra Cycle Track and the Mushrif Mountain Bike Trail
- inside Dubai Metro or Tram cabins (you may carry a folded scooter across station footbridges and park at the bicycle stands outside)
Safety gear and scooter checks
Wear a helmet and suitable clothes and shoes; a reflective vest is strongly advised and required for e-bike riders. Do not use headphones in both ears. Before each ride, check that:
- the front and rear lights work
- the horn is fitted to the handlebar
- the tyres are roadworthy
- the front and rear brakes work
Your scooter must also meet the technical specifications approved for the UAE. Riding one that does not is a AED 300 fine.
E-scooter fines in Dubai
Fines are set by Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2022. Repeat violations within a year can lead to the scooter being confiscated, and parents or guardians pay fines for riders under 18.
| Violation | Fine (AED) |
|---|---|
| Carrying a passenger | 300 |
| Riding in a way that endangers yourself or others | 300 |
| Riding on a road with a speed limit above 60 km/h | 300 |
| Riding a scooter that does not meet technical requirements | 300 |
| Not reporting an accident that caused injury or damage | 300 |
| Riding without a permit or driving licence | 200 |
| Riding outside RTA-designated lanes | 200 |
| Riding or leaving a scooter on a walking or jogging track | 200 |
| Not wearing the required helmet or vest | 200 |
| Parking outside designated spots or blocking traffic or pedestrians | 200 |
| Riding against traffic | 200 |
| Not dismounting at a pedestrian crossing | 200 |
| Ignoring signs on roads and cycle lanes | 200 |
| Exceeding the track speed limit | 100 |
Choosing a scooter that fits the rules
For everyday riding on Dubai’s tracks, a 350–500W commuter is all you need. Models like the KuKirin S1 Pro (AED 900) and KuKirin M4 Pro (AED 1,500) are light enough to fold and park, with working lights and front and rear brakes. Compare more options in our best electric scooter in Dubai guide, or see our Kugoo vs KuKirin comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You apply online through the RTA website, the RTA Dubai app or the Dubai Now app after a short training course and test.
No. A valid UAE or international driving licence exempts you, but you must carry it while riding.
16 years old, under Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2022.
20 km/h on designated tracks in residential areas and beaches, and up to 30 km/h where posted on shared streets.
No. E-scooters are banned from Metro and Tram cabins. You can carry a folded scooter across station footbridges and park it at the bicycle stands outside.
No. Carrying a passenger is a AED 300 fine, even on a scooter with a seat.
Need a scooter that suits Dubai’s tracks? Visit The Shard Bike at Shop EX10, opposite Gate 6, Dragon Mart 1, or call or WhatsApp +971 52 229 0374.
Rules checked 29 October 2026 against published RTA guidance. Always check rta.ae for the latest updates.
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