Do you need a permit to ride an e-scooter in Dubai?

Yes, unless you hold a driving licence. Dubai requires an RTA e-scooter permit to ride an e-scooter, and riding without one is a AED 200 fine.¹ Holders of a UAE driving licence, a valid international driving licence, or a licence from a country on the RTA’s exchange list are exempt.² Check your case with the e-scooter permit checker.

How do you get the permit?

The permit is free and takes about an hour online.²

1. Open the RTA service “Apply for an Electrical Scooter Driving Permit” with your Emirates ID, or your passport and unified number if you are a visitor.
2. Enter the code sent to your phone. A UAE mobile number is needed.
3. Complete the online lectures, then a 20-question test within 30 minutes.
4. If you pass, download the permit. It sits in My Docs in the RTA app.

There is no limit on attempts, and the permit has no validity period.² You must be 16 or older.² A rental company must see your licence or permit before it lets you ride.²

Where can you ride?

A privately owned e-scooter may be ridden only in the areas the RTA sets. A rented e-scooter may be ridden only on the cycle lanes the RTA sets.¹ The RTA’s e-scooter areas include Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai Internet City, Al Rigga, 2nd of December Street, City Walk, Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Al Mankhool, Al Karama and dedicated cycle tracks, plus 11 residential areas added later. The RTA puts the total length of bike and e-scooter tracks at 390 km.³

What are the safety rules?

The RTA list is on its e-scooter page.³ Dubai’s resolution also bans riding on lanes for walking or jogging.¹

What are the fines?

Dubai Police issues e-scooter fines.²

A rider under 18’s fines are paid by the parent or guardian. A repeated dangerous violation within a year can lead to the scooter being impounded for 30 days.¹ Look up any fine with the fines lookup.

Who rents e-scooters in Dubai?

The RTA has approved four rental operators: Tier, Lime, Arnab and Skurrt.³ What their insurance covers is on e-scooter insurance.

What changes on 1 January 2027?

New federal traffic rules set a permit for e-scooters, e-bikes and mopeds from age 15, valid for three years, Aletihad reported on 4 November 2026.⁴ The Dubai permit today has no expiry and a minimum age of 16.² Check the RTA service page after 1 January 2027.

Get your permit before you rent, and keep it in the RTA app.

The small print

• The permit, the ban on carrying passengers and the areas are Articles 6 and 9 of Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2022. The fines are in its schedule, items 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 15. Impoundment and fines for minors are Article 10.¹
• The exemption for licence holders cites Cabinet and Ministry of Interior resolutions, on the RTA service page.²