Riding an e-scooter in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi allows standing e-scooters of 700 watts or less on authorised paths, at up to 20 km/h. Seated e-scooters are not allowed. Riding on walking trails, pavements or roads of 60 km/h and above is a AED 500 fine. Owners are not required to insure an e-scooter, and the rider bears the cost of an accident.
Checklist
Riding an e-scooter in Abu Dhabi
Before you ride
On the path
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The rules are in the Abu Dhabi guideline for the safe use of bicycles, electric bicycles and scooters, ADG 28/2024, second edition of June 2024. It supports Department of Municipalities and Transport Administrative Decision No. 21 of 2022, which sets the fines.1
Which e-scooters are allowed?
Standing e-scooters, propelled by the motor. Seated e-scooters are prohibited in Abu Dhabi.1 The guideline sets the limits below for authorised devices.
| Item | Limit |
|---|---|
| E-scooter motor power | 700 watts or less |
| Speed | 20 km/h or less |
| Riders | One person |
| Electric devices over 35 kg, 1,400 to 2,000 watts, under 60 km/h | Not authorised and not registrable |
| Motorcycles | Registrable with Abu Dhabi Police only if the top speed exceeds 60 km/h |
Changing a scooter to give it more power or torque than the manufacturer’s specification is a AED 200 violation.1
Where can you ride?
On paths, pavements and roads authorised for e-scooters, shown by signs or ground markings.1 Riding in these places is a AED 500 fine:1
- walking and jogging trails
- pavements, unless signs or markings authorise them
- secondary and tertiary roads with a speed of 60 km/h and above, except for groups with a permit from the Integrated Transport Centre and Abu Dhabi Police
What rules do you follow on the path?
Keep to 20 km/h, and slow down near hospitals, schools, event areas and in bad weather.1 The following are AED 200 violations each:1
- carrying another rider on an e-scooter
- riding against the flow
- using a phone or other distraction while riding
- wearing headphones that block surrounding sound
- not giving pedestrians priority, and not dismounting at crossings
- not keeping a safe distance from other riders, vehicles or pedestrians
- not stopping at least five metres from a stopped school bus
- parking outside designated areas, or fixing the scooter to a traffic light or lamp post
- riding in hazardous weather or with no visibility
Riding a scooter that breaks the technical rules, such as missing lights, horn or rear brake, is also AED 200.1
How old must you be?
The guideline leaves the age to an administrative decision of the Department of Municipalities and Transport. Rental operators must check age when you register, and parents are responsible if a child under the age limit rides.1
From 1 January 2027, new federal traffic rules set a permit for e-scooters from age 15, valid for three years, Aletihad reported on 4 November 2026.2
Who pays after an accident?
Owners of bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters and private micromobility devices are not required to insure them. The guideline says the user “assumes full responsibility and damage in the event of an accident”.1
Rental companies are different. Operators, shops and app-based rental services must hold insurance with a UAE-licensed insurer that covers damage to the devices, injury or death of users, and third-party liability to others, including battery fires.1 They must also tell you which situations their insurance does not cover.1 Shops, fixed rental points and app-based rental services need an activity permit from the Integrated Transport Centre and must register on its e-platform, so rent only from an operator that shows its permit.1
Report any accident or damage to the competent authorities.1 More on liability is on accidents involving cyclists and scooter riders.
How is Dubai different?
Dubai requires an RTA permit, and a minimum age of 16, and limits private scooters to RTA areas.3 A driving licence holder does not need the permit.4 The Dubai rules are on e-scooter rules in Dubai.
Before you rent, ask the operator in the app what its insurance pays if you are hurt or hurt someone.
The small print
- The fines are violation items 2 and 3 (AED 200) and 4 (AED 500) of the users’ schedule in Administrative Decision No. 21 of 2022, as set out in section e of ADG 28/2024.1
- The guideline also lists riding on roads of 60 km/h or more without prior authorisation under item 2, at AED 200. The two entries differ. The administrative decision sets the amount.1
- The classification and specification tables are in section 9 of the guideline. The insurance requirements are in its operating requirements section.1
Sources
4
1Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, Abu Dhabi Guideline for Safe use of bicycles, electric bicycles, and scooters (ADG 28/2024). Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Abu Dhabi Guideline for Safe use of bicycles, electric bicycles, and scooters (ADG 28/2024)
2Aletihad, Key UAE traffic and transport law changes to watch for. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Key UAE traffic and transport law changes to watch for
3Supreme Legislation Committee, Dubai, Executive Council Resolution No. (13) of 2022 Regulating the Use of Cycles in the Emirate of Dubai. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Executive Council Resolution No. (13) of 2022 Regulating the Use of Cycles in the Emirate of Dubai
4Roads and Transport Authority, Apply for an Electrical Scooter Driving Permit. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Apply for an Electrical Scooter Driving Permit
- Owner
- Bikeinsurance.ae research team
- Last review
- Next review due
- 11 May 2027
- Status
- Published