If you’ve spent more than five minutes in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) or Downtown Dubai lately, you know that e-scooters are no longer just a trend—they are the city’s favorite way to beat the “last-mile” commute. They’re quick, they’re eco-friendly, and let’s be honest, they’re a lifesaver when you’re trying to avoid the afternoon rush on Sheikh Zayed Road.
But as the number of scooters on the street grows, so do the risks. On December 21, 2025, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) issued a serious wake-up call to all riders. The message? Safety isn’t optional, and the rules are about to get a lot more visible.
The Real Cost of “Zipping Through”
We all want to get to our destination faster, but recent data from the Dubai Police and RTA shows a worrying trend. In 2024 alone, there were over 250 accidents involving e-scooters and bicycles, tragically resulting in 10 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
Just this month, a local rider suffered three spinal fractures after a collision—a story that has sent shockwaves through the local community. It’s these “real-life” moments that have prompted the RTA to remind us that these aren’t toys; they are vehicles that require focus and respect for the law.
The 2025 Checklist: Are You Legal?
Before you kick-start your scooter for your morning run to the Metro station, make sure you’re ticking these boxes. If not, you might find yourself facing some hefty fines.
- The 20 km/h Rule: Most tracks are capped at 20 km/h. Even if your scooter can go faster, it shouldn’t. Speeding is the number one cause of losing control during a sudden swerve.
- Stay in Your Lane: Don’t be that person riding on the sidewalk or weaving through pedestrians on a jogging track. Stick to the 390 km of designated lanes the city has built for us.
- Gear Up or Pay Up: Helmets are mandatory. No exceptions. The RTA also strongly advises wearing reflective or bright-colored clothing, especially if you’re riding near Dubai Marina or Al Karama after sunset.
- One Scooter, One Rider: Doubling up is dangerous and illegal. Carrying a passenger will land you a Dh300 fine instantly.
Do You Need a Permit?
This is where many people get confused. If you already have a valid UAE Driving License, you’re cleared to ride. However, if you don’t have a license (residents and tourists alike), you must apply for a free e-scooter permit via the RTA website.
The process is simple: you watch a few safety videos, pass a short test, and get your digital permit. In 2025, authorities are checking these more frequently, and riding without one can cost you Dh200.
A New Era of Enforcement
The city isn’t just “asking” riders to be safe anymore. A joint task force between the RTA and Dubai Police—the Personal Mobility Monitoring Unit—is now patrolling high-traffic areas. Their goal? To hit “Zero Fatalities” on Dubai roads by 2026.
This means more eyes on areas like City Walk, Palm Jumeirah, and Al Barsha. They aren’t just looking for speeders; they’re looking for technical violations too. Does your scooter have a working white front light and a red rear light? Is your horn loud enough to alert a distracted pedestrian? If the answer is no, your scooter could be confiscated.
Dubai’s Future
Dubai’s vision is to be one of the most sustainable cities in the world. E-scooters play a huge part in that by reducing car trips and carbon footprints. But for this to work, the “scooter culture” needs to mature.
Think of it like driving a car—you wouldn’t ignore a red light or drive on the pavement. Applying that same mindset to your scooter keeps the tracks open and safe for everyone, from the office worker in a suit to the delivery rider getting your dinner home on time.
Quick Tips for a Smoother Ride
- Avoid Distractions: Put the phone away. Using headphones while riding is now a fineable offense because you need to hear the traffic around you.
- Dismount at Crossings: When you reach a pedestrian crossing, hop off and walk your scooter across. It’s safer for you and much more polite to those walking.
- Check Your Tires: Dubai’s heat can be tough on rubber. A quick check of your tire pressure and brakes once a week can prevent a nasty fall.
Read More: Dubai RTA Enhances Safety with Upgraded Lighting on Cycling and E-Scooter Tracks
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