Ban or license? Dubai e-scooter safety needs smart regulation. world News
TL; Dr.In early 2025, 13 people were killed in e-scooter and e-bike incidents in Dubai, banning some areas.E-scooters provide important transport options for residents that do not drive, especially in large communities.Instead of banning, a mixture of education, licensing and clear rules can make roads safe for all.Dubai e-scooters and e-bike accidents are seeing a sharp increase. In the first five months of 2025, 13 people lost their lives in micromobility related events. This is already more than 10 deaths recorded in all 2024. In response, some neighborhoods, including Vijay Heights and Jumera Beach Niwas, have completely banned e-scooters.But for many residents, especially without cars, e-scooters are more than a trend. They are a requirement. In communities like Green Community Dip -1, riding can cut a 20 -minute walk distance for 3 minutes, a big thing in the heat of Dubai.The current approach does not seem not all or anything. Either complete freedom or total restrictions. But the issue cannot be a vehicle itself, it is constant rules, awareness and lack of enforcement.So the real question is: Do we need more restrictions, or just better systems?
Education and licensing or restriction?
Right now, any person aged 16 or older can ride an e-scooter in Dubai. Helmets are mandatory, but you will often see people riding without them. There is no need to training, test or understand road rules.Argument for restriction
- Security Risk: Rider often ignore traffic rules.
- Pedestrians: Scooters zip through crowded pavements.
- There is no system to keep careless riders accountable.
- License and logic for education
- Not everyone can give a car or a taxi.
- E-scooters are practical for small visits in large communities.
The problem often causes poor behavior and not scooters themselves.A structured training or licensing system can help filter unsafe riders, such as we do with cars. Without it, people will continue to ride without knowledge to do it safely.
More balanced solution: What can work work instead of restrictions?
Instead of imposing a lump sum rest on scooters, what a more measured approach can look like here:
- Compulsory license or permit system: Riders must pass a small safety course and get a digital permit. It filters riders who do not understand the rules of the road.
- Age verification and helmet check: Apply age minimum and make the helmet non-process. Regular spot checks can help.
- Specified lane and riding areas: Extend the scooter -friendly lane in more areas. Right now, only a few places have been officially approved by the RTA. Without safe routes, riders will continue to ride through traffic or on pavements.
- Community Awareness Program: Educate both riders and pedestrians about shared security responsibilities. Apparent signs, school programs and social campaign can help transfer behavior.
- Enforcement with real punishment: Fasting, riding without a helmet, or interrupting traffic should come up with a fine or restriction. Rules work only when people know that there are results.
E-scooter back on Dubai Metro, but with rules
In October 2025, the RTA lifted its ban on e-scooters in public transport, allowing foldable models under strict security conditions on the metro and tram.
- No rides on stations, footbridge, or platforms.
- Must be folded and operated all the time.
- Doors cannot block, corridors or seats.
- No wet, dirty or damaged scooter.
- No charge at stations.
- The battery should meet the International Security Standards (eg ul, IEC).
The move shows that the city is not an anti-scooter, it just wants clear security measures.
Debate on freedom and security: what is the real solution?
This issue comes down to balance. On one side: The right to use simple, inexpensive transport of people. On the second: People’s right to feel safe in shared places.A ban on all scooters can be a quick improvement due to some bad riders, but this is not a long -term answer. It can be difficult to make a better way, it requires law, education, awareness and real enforcement but it is appropriate. And it actually solves the root of the problem.
questions to ask
- Q1. Are e-scooters restricted everywhere in Dubai now?
No, only some residential areas have banned them. You can still ride in approved areas and public roads where it is allowed by RTA.
- Q2. Can I take my e-scooter on the metro?
Yes, but only if it is foldable and you follow all RTA rules (such as keeping it closed, cleaning, and not blocking the door).
- Q3. Do I need a license to ride an e-scooter in Dubai?
So far, no license is required. But there are increasing calls for a formal training or permit system to improve security.
