Quick answer
- From 1 January 2027, anyone in the UAE riding an e-scooter, e-bike or small bike must hold a permit from the licensing authority, under Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026.
- The minimum age to apply for an e-scooter, e-bike or small bike permit is 15, and each permit is valid for three years.
- Riders must register their device, ride only on routes set by the authorities and never ride on roads meant for cars.
- E-scooters must have a front light, a rear light, a red brake light, a horn on the handlebar and brakes on at least the rear wheel.
A UAE e-scooter permit 2027 rule means riders of e-scooters, e-bikes and small bikes will need an official permit from 1 January 2027, with a national minimum age of 15. The change affects teenagers and adults who ride to work, school or the Metro, and parents deciding whether their children can ride.
What was announced
The rules are in the executive regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on traffic regulation. The regulation was issued as Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026 on 6 October 2026, published in issue 833 of the Federal Official Gazette on 14 October 2026, and takes effect on 1 January 2027. It was issued on the proposal of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.
The regulation sets out what counts as a personal mobility device, what equipment it must have, what riders must do and who can get a permit. Article 53 says no person may use a personal mobility device unless they hold a permit from the licensing authority that allows them to do so.
UAE e-scooter permit 2027: who needs one
Article 59 lists three permits. Each one needs the applicant to be at least 15 years old, and each lasts three years.
| Device | How the regulation defines it | Permit under Article 59 |
|---|---|---|
| Electric scooter | Two or more wheels, powered by an electric motor, ridden standing or seated | Yes, minimum age 15, valid 3 years |
| Electric bike | A bicycle with a support power unit that assists pedalling | Yes, minimum age 15, valid 3 years |
| Small bike | Engine of 50cc or less, mechanical or electric motor, top speed of 45 km/h or less | Yes, minimum age 15, valid 3 years |
| Pedal bicycle | Two or more wheels, no motor, moved by the rider | Not listed in Article 59 |
| Skateboards | One or more wheels, pushed by the user or powered by a motor | Not listed in Article 59 |
| Mobility carriers | Seats for older people or people with disabilities, motor or push powered | Not listed in Article 59 |
What riders must do under the new rules
Article 6 sets out the duties of every personal mobility user. Riders must:
- register their device under the procedures of the licensing authority or traffic authority
- follow the traffic rules and ride in a way that does not put themselves, pedestrians or drivers at risk
- ride only on the routes chosen by the authorities and stay within the speed limits set for them
- follow the safety rules for rented devices as well as privately owned ones
- never ride on roads meant for motor vehicles
- never ride without a permit
Article 50 also gives riders the same signal rules as pedestrians at crossings. A red light means do not cross, a green light means you may cross, and a flashing green light means do not start crossing, although anyone already on the crossing may finish.
Equipment every e-scooter must have
Under Article 4, personal mobility devices must have:
- a main front light for the road at night and a rear light
- a red light linked to the brakes
- an audible warning device fixed to the handlebar
- brakes on at least the rear wheel
- tyres that are firmly fitted and roadworthy
- complete, tight wheel spokes and all parts securely fixed and safe
The licensing authority can add further requirements. If you are buying a scooter for a teenager this winter, check these points before you pay, because a cheap import without a brake light may not meet the new standard.
What it means for drivers
Under the national rules, e-scooters should not be in traffic lanes at all, but drivers still need to watch for riders at crossings, junctions and cycle track exits. Article 17 also says a car stopped off the carriageway must not be in a place set aside for pedestrians or personal mobility users, so avoid pulling over onto a cycle track or scooter lane. For fines and black points that already apply, see our UAE traffic fines guide.
Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 6 October 2026 | Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026 issued |
| 14 October 2026 | Published in Federal Official Gazette issue 833 |
| 1 January 2027 | Permit rule, age limit and rider duties take effect |
Practical tips for riders and parents
- Watch for application details from the licensing authority in your emirate before 1 January 2027.
- Check the scooter has front and rear lights, a brake light, a horn and a rear brake.
- Children under 15 cannot apply for a permit under Article 59, so plan school travel with that in mind.
- Use cycle tracks and marked routes, and treat red and flashing green signals exactly as a pedestrian would.
- If you rent a scooter, the safety rules still apply to you, not only to the rental company.
Abu Dhabi riders can also read our look at Abu Dhabi e-scooter rules and seizures, and car owners should note the separate UAE five vehicle limit for 2027 from the same regulation.
FAQs
When does the UAE e-scooter permit become mandatory?
The requirement is part of Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, which comes into force on 1 January 2027. From that date, Article 53 says no one may use a personal mobility device without a permit from the licensing authority.
What is the minimum age for an e-scooter permit in the UAE?
Article 59 sets the minimum age at 15 for anyone applying for an e-scooter, e-bike or small bike permit. The permit is issued by the licensing authority in each emirate.
How long is the e-scooter permit valid?
Permits issued under Article 59 are valid for three years. Riders will need to renew the permit to keep riding legally after that.
Can I ride an e-scooter on the road in the UAE?
No. Article 6 bans riding personal mobility devices on roads meant for motor vehicles. Riders must use the routes chosen by the licensing or traffic authority and stick to the speed limits set there.
How much does the UAE e-scooter permit cost?
Article 59 does not mention a fee. The licensing authority in each emirate is expected to set out how to apply, so check its official channels before 1 January 2027.
More for drivers: UAE Driving Guide
{“@context”:”https://schema.org”,”@type”:”FAQPage”,”mainEntity”:[{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”When does the UAE e-scooter permit become mandatory?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”The requirement is part of Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, which comes into force on 1 January 2027. From that date, Article 53 says no one may use a personal mobility device without a permit from the licensing authority.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”What is the minimum age for an e-scooter permit in the UAE?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Article 59 sets the minimum age at 15 for anyone applying for an e-scooter, e-bike or small bike permit. The permit is issued by the licensing authority in each emirate.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”How long is the e-scooter permit valid?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Permits issued under Article 59 are valid for three years. Riders will need to renew the permit to keep riding legally after that.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Can I ride an e-scooter on the road in the UAE?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”No. Article 6 bans riding personal mobility devices on roads meant for motor vehicles. Riders must use the routes chosen by the licensing or traffic authority and stick to the speed limits set there.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”How much does the UAE e-scooter permit cost?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Article 59 does not mention a fee. The licensing authority in each emirate is expected to set out how to apply, so check its official channels before 1 January 2027.”}}]}
