UAE E-Scooter Rules 2027: Permits Become Mandatory, Minimum Age Set at 15

From January 1, 2027, the UAE e-scooter rules require a three-year permit for riders of electric scooters, electric bicycles and mopeds, set the minimum permit age at 15 and mandate registration, lights, brakes and designated routes.

The UAE has set 15 as the minimum age for applying for an electric scooter permit under new federal traffic regulations that take effect on January 1, 2027. The permits will be valid for three years, according to Cabinet Resolution No. 174 of 2026, which sets out the executive regulations for the UAE's federal traffic law.

UAE E-Scooter Rules at a Glance

• Effective date: January 1, 2027
• Legal basis: Cabinet Resolution No. 174 of 2026, the executive regulations of the federal traffic law
• Devices covered: electric scooters, electric bicycles and mopeds
• Permit: required before operating, valid for three years, issued by the relevant licensing authority
• Minimum age: 15 for permit applicants
• Registration: required, under procedures set by the licensing or traffic authorities
• Routes: designated routes only, and never on roads designated for motor vehicles

1. Permits: Required for All Personal Mobility Devices

The regulations establish a framework for personal mobility devices, covering permits, registration, mandatory safety equipment and where they can be used. The permit requirement applies to all three categories: electric scooters, electric bicycles and mopeds. Users must obtain a permit from the relevant licensing authority before operating them. Under the UAE e-scooter rules, each e-scooter permit is valid for three years.

2. Minimum Age: 15 for Permit Applicants

The minimum age of 15 applies to e-scooter permit applicants. This is the age set in the federal regulations, and it is the first benchmark riders and parents should note in the UAE e-scooter rules.

3. Registration of Devices

Personal mobility devices must be registered in accordance with procedures established by the licensing or traffic authorities. The report does not set out those procedures, so check with your local authority, such as the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai.

4. Traffic Signals: How Riders Must Cross

The regulations specify how users of personal mobility devices must respond to signals.

• Riders are prohibited from crossing at a red light
• They may cross when the light turns green, subject to applicable rules
• When the green light begins flashing, riders must not start crossing
• Riders who have already begun crossing during the permitted period may complete the crossing

5. Mandatory Safety Equipment for Electric Scooters

The UAE e-scooter rules set out technical requirements that every electric scooter must meet.

• A front headlight to illuminate the road at night
• A rear light and a red brake light that activates when the brakes are applied
• An audible warning device fitted to the handlebars
• Brakes on at least the rear wheel
• Tyres that are securely fitted and suitable for use
• Wheel spokes, where applicable, properly secured and tensioned
• All components properly fastened to ensure safe operation

Licensing authorities may introduce additional safety requirements.

6. Where You Can Ride Under the UAE E-Scooter Rules

Riders must use only routes designated by the relevant licensing or traffic authorities and comply with the speed limits set for those routes. Electric scooters are not permitted on roads designated for motor vehicles. For changes to speed limits on Dubai's roads, see our report on new Dubai speed limits from November 1.

7. Who the UAE E-Scooter Rules Cover

The rules apply to both privately owned and commercially rented personal mobility devices, and users must follow the applicable safety requirements. The regulations also define an electric scooter formally: a device with two or more wheels, powered by an electric motor, that can be operated in a standing or seated position.

The Age Gap Between Federal Rules and Dubai's Rules

The federal minimum age for permit applicants is 15. Dubai's existing rules, however, prohibit anyone under 16 from riding an e-scooter. The new regulations do not explicitly clarify how the federal provisions will interact with Dubai's existing age restriction. Until the authorities explain, riders in Dubai should treat the higher age as the safer reading and check with the RTA before applying.

Why the UAE E-Scooter Rules Are Being Tightened

The federal provisions come amid growing concerns over the safety of e-scooter users and pedestrians.

• Major e-scooter accidents increased by 97 per cent in 2025 compared with the previous year, according to an analysis of Ministry of Interior data by RoadSafetyUAE, as reported by Khaleej Times
• In a survey of 1,010 residents by RoadSafetyUAE and Al Wathba Insurance, 93 per cent had witnessed unsafe or reckless e-scooter riding
• 89 per cent had seen riders using areas where they were not permitted
• 60 per cent still believed e-scooters serve an important transportation need

Official road safety information is published by the Ministry of Interior.

How to Prepare for the UAE E-Scooter Rules

These steps are our own suggestions, not part of the regulations.

• Check your scooter has the required lights, horn and rear brake
• Confirm your age against both the federal minimum and any local rule
• Ask your licensing authority how to apply for a permit and register the device
• Plan routes that use designated paths, and avoid roads for motor vehicles

New to driving in the UAE? Our guide to the UAE driving licence and the Dubai Metro, Nol card and Salik guide cover other ways of getting around.

UAE E-Scooter Rules FAQs

When do the UAE e-scooter rules take effect?

On January 1, 2027, under Cabinet Resolution No. 174 of 2026.

What is the minimum age under the UAE e-scooter rules?

15 for permit applicants. Dubai's existing rules prohibit anyone under 16 from riding an e-scooter, and the new regulations do not explain how the two interact.

How long is an e-scooter permit valid in the UAE?

Three years.

Do the UAE e-scooter rules cover electric bicycles and mopeds?

Yes. The permit requirements apply to electric scooters, electric bicycles and mopeds.

Can I ride an e-scooter on the road under the UAE e-scooter rules?

Not on roads designated for motor vehicles. Riders must use routes designated by the licensing or traffic authorities and follow the speed limits set for them.

Conclusion: What the UAE E-Scooter Rules Mean for Riders

The UAE e-scooter rules move personal mobility devices into a permit-and-registration system from January 1, 2027, with a minimum permit age of 15, mandatory lights and brakes and designated routes only. The details still to come are the penalties, fees and the Dubai age question. Riders should check with their local authority before the rules take effect.