Quick answer
- Abu Dhabi Police seized 9,237 electric scooters in the first ten months of 2026 for breaking traffic rules.
- The scooters were taken for being ridden on public roads, between moving vehicles and on paths not meant for them.
- Under the Abu Dhabi safety guideline, e-scooters are limited to 20 km/h and are banned from roads with a speed limit of 60 km/h or more.
- The guideline lists fines of AED 200 per safety violation and AED 500 for riding where scooters are not allowed.
Abu Dhabi Police seized 9,237 e-scooters in ten months of 2026 and says riding between cars, ignoring traffic and skipping a helmet are among the most dangerous habits. Here is what the Abu Dhabi e-scooter rules allow, what they ban, and what drivers sharing the road with riders should watch for.
What Abu Dhabi Police announced
On 18 October 2026, Abu Dhabi Police said it had seized 9,237 electric scooters for breaking traffic rules during ten months of 2026. The force said the scooters were being used on public roads, between vehicles and in lanes that are not designated for them, putting both the riders and other road users at risk.
The Traffic and Security Patrols Directorate named the behaviours it sees as the most dangerous:
- Riding e-scooters between moving vehicles
- Not paying attention to the traffic around them
- Riding without a protective helmet and safety equipment
Police warned that these habits raise the chance of crashes that can cause serious injuries or deaths. The directorate asked riders to stick to the places and tracks set aside for scooters, wear a helmet and protective gear, and stay off public roads and out of the gaps between cars.
Abu Dhabi e-scooter rules: where you can and cannot ride
The detailed rules sit in the Abu Dhabi Guideline for Safe Use of Bicycles, Electric Bicycles and Scooters, published by the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council. It sets out where scooters are allowed, how fast they can go and what equipment they need.
| Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Cycling and e-bike tracks | Roads with a speed limit of 60 km/h or more |
| Shared paths and sidewalks marked as authorised | Walking and jogging tracks |
| Internal roads with a speed limit of 40 km/h or less | Sidewalks and crossings without a sign allowing scooters |
| Closed spaces such as parks | Bridges and tunnels without a dedicated bicycle or scooter path |
The guideline also caps e-scooters at 20 km/h and bans carrying a passenger. Seated electric scooters are not permitted at all. An approved scooter must weigh 75 kg or less unloaded, carry one person and have a motor of no more than 700 W.
Equipment every scooter needs
- A white light at the front and a red light at the back connected to the brakes
- A red rear reflector and a bell fixed to the handlebar
- A working rear brake and tyres and parts that are tight and fit for use
Fines listed in the guideline
The guideline points to Administrative Decision No. 21 of 2022, which regulates bicycles and scooters in the emirate, and lists these fine levels:
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Breaking the safety instructions, for example carrying a passenger, using a phone while riding or riding 20 km/h over the limit | AED 200 per violation |
| Using a scooter that does not meet the approved technical specifications | AED 200 per violation |
| Riding on tracks or in places where scooters are not allowed | AED 500 per violation |
Police can also seize scooters that are ridden illegally, as the 9,237 seizures this year show. For car fines and black points, see our UAE traffic fines guide.
What it means for drivers
Most drivers will never ride a scooter, but they still meet them at junctions, on internal roads and near cycling tracks. Because scooters are banned from roads with a limit of 60 km/h or more, a rider on a main road is already breaking the rules and may move unpredictably. On internal roads of 40 km/h or less, scooters are allowed and drivers should expect them.
Police have made clear that weaving between vehicles is one of the riskiest habits, so slow traffic and queues are where drivers most need to look out. For Dubai, see our earlier story on the Dubai Police e-scooter and cyclist unit.
Practical tips
- Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes in slow traffic, where riders may squeeze between cars.
- Give scooters plenty of room when overtaking on internal roads, since they are limited to 20 km/h.
- If you ride, stay on cycling tracks and marked paths, wear a helmet and reflective gear, and keep to 20 km/h.
- Never carry a passenger or use your phone while riding, as both are listed violations.
FAQs
How many e-scooters has Abu Dhabi Police seized in 2026?
Abu Dhabi Police seized 9,237 electric scooters during the first ten months of 2026. They were taken for being ridden on public roads, between vehicles and on paths that are not designated for scooters.
Where can you ride an e-scooter in Abu Dhabi?
The Abu Dhabi safety guideline allows e-scooters on cycling and e-bike tracks, shared paths and sidewalks marked as authorised, internal roads with a speed limit of 40 km/h or less, and closed spaces such as parks. They are not allowed on roads with a limit of 60 km/h or more, on walking and jogging tracks, or on bridges and tunnels without a dedicated path.
What is the speed limit for e-scooters in Abu Dhabi?
The guideline sets a maximum of 20 km/h for e-scooters. Riders are told to slow down further in bad weather and near hospitals, schools and event areas.
What is the fine for breaking e-scooter rules in Abu Dhabi?
The guideline, citing Administrative Decision No. 21 of 2022, lists a fine of AED 200 for each violation of the safety instructions, such as carrying a passenger, using a phone while riding or riding 20 km/h over the limit. Riding in places where scooters are not allowed carries a fine of AED 500 per violation.
Do e-scooter riders in Abu Dhabi need a helmet?
Yes. The guideline says riders of all ages should wear a protective helmet at all times, along with reflective clothing or accessories. Abu Dhabi Police also lists riding without a helmet and safety gear among the most dangerous e-scooter habits.
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