Dubai e-scooter permit 2026: rules, riding areas and fines

To ride an e-scooter in Dubai you need a free e-scooter riding permit from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), unless you already hold a UAE driving licence, a valid international driving licence or a licence from one of the countries on RTA's exception list. You can ride only on the tracks and in the areas RTA has designated, never on footpaths or jogging tracks, and the fine for riding without a permit is AED 200. The rules are set by Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2022.

Who needs a permit

RTA's service page lists the permit for citizens, residents and visitors aged 16 or older. The 2022 resolution bans anyone under 16 from riding an e-scooter or an electric bike. When RTA added the permit to its apps in December 2025, its announcement listed the age as 17 and above, so check the age shown in the app when you apply. Holders of a UAE driving licence, a valid international driving licence or a licence issued in an exception country do not need the permit. Rental companies must see your driving licence or your e-scooter permit before they let you ride.

How to get the permit, step by step

The permit is free and takes about an hour. The steps: 1. Open the e-scooter permit service on rta.ae, in the RTA Dubai app or in the Dubai Now app (log in with UAE Pass). 2. Create an RTA account or traffic file if you do not have one. 3. Confirm your identity with the one-time code sent to the mobile number linked to your Emirates ID; visitors enter their passport details and any UAE mobile number. 4. Watch the online lectures. 5. Pass the theory test: 20 questions in 30 minutes. 6. Choose how to receive the permit and download it.

There is no limit on attempts, so you can retake the test if you fail. A UAE mobile number is required. You do not need a printed copy: the electronic permit in the RTA app is enough, and the permit has no expiry date.

What you need

Your Emirates ID number, or your passport details if you have no traffic file, and a mobile number active in the UAE. Visitors apply as tourists, using their unified number.

Where you can ride

RTA lists these areas for e-scooters: Al Khawaneej cycle track with Mushrif Park and Al Warqaa, Al Mamzar cycle track, Al Mankhool, Al Karama, Al Qusais 1, Al Rigga and Muraqqabat, Business Bay along Dubai Water Canal, 2nd of December Street, Downtown on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai Greens, Dubai Marina, Internet City, JLT, Jumeirah, City Walk, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library track, Al Shindagha Museum, Muhaisnah 3, Umm Suqeim 3, Al Garhoud, Umm Hurair First, Al Safa Second, Al Barsha South Second, Al Barsha Third and Al Tawar 1, 2 and 4. When RTA announced the app service in December 2025 it named Palm Jumeirah among the permitted areas and excluded the sports tracks at Saih Al Salam, Al Qudra and Al Meydan. A privately owned scooter may be ridden only in the areas RTA allows, and a rented one only on the cycle lanes it designates.

Renting a scooter

RTA has approved four rental operators: Dott and Lime, and the local companies Skurrt and Arnab. You find and unlock a scooter in the operator's app, and you can pay with a nol card linked to the app for hourly, daily or monthly packages.

The rules on the track

Ride alone (no passengers), wear a helmet and a reflective vest, wear light colours at night, do not use headphones in both ears, keep a safe distance from bikes and pedestrians, get off and walk across pedestrian crossings, follow the track signs and speed limits, and park only in marked places without blocking cars or people. The scooter needs a white front light, a red rear light and reflector, a bell and front and rear brakes.

Fines

Under the resolution: riding without a permit AED 200; riding outside the designated lanes AED 200; riding or leaving a scooter on a walking or jogging track AED 200; carrying a passenger AED 300; breaking a track speed limit AED 100; riding dangerously AED 300; riding a scooter that fails the technical requirements AED 300; not meeting the safety requirements, such as the helmet and vest, AED 200; parking that blocks traffic or pedestrians AED 200; not getting off at a pedestrian crossing AED 200; riding against traffic AED 200; not reporting an accident AED 300. A repeat of the same dangerous offence within a year can see the scooter impounded for 30 days. Parents or guardians pay the fines of riders under 18. Dubai Police issues e-scooter fines and handles disputes and payment.

Scooters on the Metro and Tram

You may take a folding e-scooter without a seat on Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram at all times, if it weighs no more than 20 kg and folds to 120 cm by 70 cm by 40 cm. Fold it before entering the station, use the wide gates and the lifts rather than the escalators, keep it switched off, and store it in the luggage area. Riding in stations or on footbridges, charging, and wet or dirty scooters are not allowed, nor are damaged, modified or dual batteries.