Is your e-bike a bicycle or a motorcycle under UAE rules?

In Dubai an e-bike comes under the cycle rules, and in Abu Dhabi under the micromobility rules, not the motorcycle rules.¹² In Abu Dhabi only motorcycles with a top speed above 60 km/h can be registered, and heavier, more powerful electric devices below that speed are not allowed at all.²

How does Dubai define an e-bike?

Dubai’s cycle resolution defines an electric bike as a vehicle of two or more wheels with an electric motor, propelled by the motor or by the rider. An e-scooter is the same but ridden standing, with no seat.¹ Both are “cycles” alongside pedal bicycles.¹

The resolution requires a rider’s permit for e-scooters and any other type the RTA names.¹ The RTA’s permit service covers e-scooters only.³ Riding an e-bike on a road above 60 km/h is a AED 300 fine.¹

What does Abu Dhabi allow?

Abu Dhabi authorises bicycles and electric bicycles that meet its technical specifications and travel at 20 km/h or less.² Electric devices weighing over 35 kg with motors of 1,400 to 2,000 watts and speeds under 60 km/h are not authorised and cannot be registered. Only motorcycles with a top speed over 60 km/h can be registered with Abu Dhabi Police.² Riders of all bicycles and e-bikes must wear a helmet and a reflective vest or clothing at all times.²

Raising the torque or power beyond the manufacturer’s specification is a AED 200 fine.²

What changes on 1 January 2027?

Federal implementing rules under Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026 take effect on 1 January 2027.⁴ Aletihad reported on 4 November 2026 that they set six categories of personal mobility device:⁵

• conventional bicycles
• electric bicycles, fitted with an auxiliary power unit that assists pedalling
• electric scooters, standing or seated
• mopeds, with an engine of 50 cc or less, two or more wheels and a top speed of 45 km/h
• skateboards
• mobility devices for older people and people of determination

A permit will be needed for an electric bicycle, an electric scooter or a moped from age 15, valid for three years.⁵

Does an e-bike need insurance?

Not as a cycle. Abu Dhabi says owners of bicycles, electric bicycles and scooters are not required to insure them.² Federal law lists electric bicycles as personal transportation.⁶ A machine that counts as a motor vehicle must be registered and insured.⁶ What cover exists for e-bikes is on e-scooter insurance.

Check your e-bike’s motor power and top speed on the manufacturer’s label before you ride it on a cycle track.

The small print

• Definitions are Article 1, obligations Article 6, prohibitions Article 9 and the fines the schedule of Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2022.¹
• The Abu Dhabi classification is section 9 of ADG 28/2024. The guideline’s specification table lists a width of 78 cm or less and a seat height of 100 cm or less for electric bicycles.²
• “Personal Transportation” is defined in Article 1 of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024.⁶