Dubai’s transportation landscape is undergoing significant regulatory changes as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) implements comprehensive digital permitting for electric scooter operators. Starting immediately, all e-scooter enthusiasts must obtain official driving permits exclusively through digital platforms including the RTA Dubai application and Dubai Now portal.
This strategic initiative represents the latest phase in Dubai’s ongoing campaign to enhance micromobility safety protocols and protect both riders and pedestrians. The permit system specifically targets irresponsible riding behavior while directing scooter traffic toward designated pathways and cycling tracks that meet established safety criteria.
Recent enforcement actions demonstrate the urgency of these measures. Dubai Police recently apprehended ninety individuals for operating electric bikes and scooters on pedestrian paths and sports tracks in the Kite Beach vicinity, creating substantial safety hazards. Authorities impounded numerous vehicles and initiated legal proceedings against riders, some of whom were recorded traveling at dangerous speeds exceeding 120 kilometers per hour.
Tragic statistics underscore the critical need for regulation. Police data reveals that between January and May 2025, thirteen fatalities occurred in accidents involving both jaywalking and electric scooters, prompting intensified enforcement and public awareness initiatives.
The regulatory framework mandates helmet usage, establishes age-based licensing requirements, and specifies operational zones for micromobility devices. Riders failing to comply with permitting specifications face operating prohibitions and legal consequences.
While electric scooters and bicycles provide environmentally friendly transportation alternatives, their rapidly expanding popularity has correlated with increased traffic violations and safety incidents. This trend has sparked vigorous public debate, with some residents advocating for stringent regulations or complete prohibitions in residential zones, while others emphasize the importance of these vehicles for daily commuters.
Community responses have varied significantly, with neighborhoods including Victory Heights and Jumeirah Beach Residences implementing total bans on micromobility devices in response to safety concerns and traffic rule violations.