The e-scooter license in Dubai was introduced to balance convenience with safety as micro-mobility became part of daily commuting. With more residents relying on e-scooters for short trips and last-mile connectivity, Dubai established a clear legal framework under Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2022 and Administrative Order No. 208 of 2020. The Roads and Transport Authority regulate permits, riding zones, and technical standards, ensuring e-scooters integrate smoothly into the city’s transport ecosystem.
Unlike a traditional driving licence, the e-scooter permit is activity-specific. It applies only where riders do not already hold a valid UAE or international driving licence, and it focuses on safety awareness rather than vehicle operation skills.
In this guide, learn about:
- Eligibility requirements for an e-scooter license in Dubai
- The application process for the e-scooter license in Dubai
- Permits vs licences: What is the difference?
- Designated riding zones and prohibited areas for the e-scooter license in Dubai
- Technical and safety requirements of the e-scooter license in Dubai
- Fines and penalties for non-compliance
- Riding rules and daily use practices
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Eligibility requirements for an e-scooter license in Dubai
Before applying for an e-scooter license in Dubai, riders must meet minimum eligibility conditions defined by the RTA. These requirements are strictly enforced across designated zones.
Age requirement
- To ride legally, the minimum age for an e-scooter permit is 16 years.
- Riders under 12 are not permitted to ride independently and must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or above.
This rule exists to reduce risk in shared urban spaces where pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles coexist.
Driving licence exemptions
Riders who already hold a valid UAE driving licence, motorcycle licence, or an accepted international driving licence are exempt from applying for the e-scooter permit. However, they must carry their licence while riding and follow all e-scooter-specific rules. The exemption reflects a baseline assumption of traffic awareness rather than vehicle similarity.
This distinction mirrors other transport categories, similar to how motorcycle licensing differs from general driving, as explained through motorcycle licence requirements in Dubai.
The application process for the e-scooter license in Dubai
Applying for an e-scooter license in Dubai is entirely digital and designed to be accessible for residents and visitors.
Steps to apply for the e-scooter license in Dubai
- Access the RTA website or mobile app and select the option to apply for an e-scooter riding permit.
- Register using a valid identification, either an Emirates ID for residents or a passport for visitors, along with a UAE mobile number.
- Complete the mandatory online theory training, which covers technical specifications, safety rules, approved riding zones, and penalties.
- Take the multiple-choice assessment, which typically takes around 20 minutes to complete.
- Download the digital permit upon passing, which is issued via email, SMS, or directly through the RTA app.
Fees and costs of the e-scooter license in Dubai
There is no fee to obtain an e-scooter license in Dubai. The permit, online training, and test are all provided free of charge by the RTA. This approach supports wider adoption of regulated micro-mobility while maintaining public safety standards.
Permits vs licenses: What is the difference?
Understanding whether you need a permit or a licence depends on your existing credentials and legal eligibility.
| Situation | Requirement | Key condition |
| Rider holds a valid UAE driving licence | No e-scooter permit required | Must carry the driving licence while riding and follow all e-scooter rules |
| Rider holds a valid international driving licence | No e-scooter permit required | The licence must be valid and carried during use |
| Rider does not hold a driving licence | RTA e-scooter permit required | Must complete online training and pass the theory test |
| Rider under minimum eligibility | Riding not permitted | Must meet age and supervision rules |
Designated riding zones and prohibited areas for the e-scooter license in Dubai
Dubai allows e-scooter use only in approved locations to minimise conflicts with high-speed traffic and pedestrians.
Allowed zones:
- Permitted zones include Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai Internet City, Al Rigga, 2nd of December Street, Palm Jumeirah, City Walk, and selected roads in Al Qusais, Al Mankhool, and Al Karama.
- E-scooters are commonly used for last-mile access from metro stations, especially in areas like Dubai Creek Harbour and Marina.
- This is why last-mile commuting options near Dubai Creek Harbour and metro-connected mobility around Marina Beach naturally include e-scooter usage.
Not allowed zones: Prohibited areas include major roads with speed limits above 60 km/h, jogging tracks, walkways, and cycling tracks in Saih Al Salam, Al Qudra, and Meydan. Riders must always follow posted signage.
Technical and safety requirements of the e-scooter license in Dubai
To qualify for legal use, e-scooters must meet specific technical and safety standards.
Scooter technical specs
- E-scooters must be equipped with a white front headlamp, a red rear light, and red reflectors.
- Functional brakes are required on both wheels, along with a horn or bell, and tyres in good condition.
- Scooters must be able to withstand UAE weather conditions, be GPS-tagged, and have a maximum speed of 20 km/h.
These standards align with infrastructure planning, particularly where e-scooters share space with cyclists on designated cycling tracks across Dubai.
Rider safety rules and gear
- Helmets are mandatory for all riders, and wearing reflective or bright clothing is strongly advised, especially at night.
- Closed shoes are required, and riders must avoid headphones or any gear that limits situational awareness.
- Carrying passengers or heavy loads is prohibited.
- Riders must obey traffic signals, ride on the right side, and signal clearly when changing direction.
Fines and penalties for non-compliance
| Violation | Typical fine or penalty |
| Riding without a permit or a licence | AED 200 |
| Riding outside designated areas | AED 300 |
| Not wearing a helmet | AED 200 |
| Carrying a passenger | AED 300 |
| Speeding or ignoring traffic signals | AED 300-400 |
| Improper parking or obstruction | AED 200 |
| Repeat violations or public danger | Confiscation, bans, and higher fines |
Riding rules and daily use practices
Daily compliance is just as important as licensing. Riders must stay within designated lanes, keep speeds between 15 and 20 km/h depending on the area, and dismount at pedestrian crossings.
Mobile phone use while riding is prohibited, and both hands must remain on the handlebars unless signalling. Parking is allowed only in designated scooter zones.
Key takeaways
- Dubai requires an e-scooter permit unless the rider holds a valid driving or international licence.
- The minimum age is 16, and the application process is fully digital and free.
- Scooters must meet technical standards, and riders must follow strict safety and zoning rules.
- Fines range from AED 200 to AED 400, with confiscation for repeat violations.
FAQs
Yes. Visitors aged 16 or above without a valid driving licence must apply using their passport and UAE mobile number.
Yes. They are exempt from the permit process but must carry their licence while riding.
No. The permit, training, and test are currently free.
You may face fines of AED 200-300, confiscation, or stricter penalties for repeat offences.
Yes. Lights, brakes, GPS tagging, speed limits, and safety features are mandatory.
