Banning or licensing? Dubai's E-scooter safety needs smarter regulation

TL;DR
13 people died in e-scooter and e-bike incidents in Dubai in early 2025, triggering bans in some areas.
E-scooters offer vital transport options for residents who don’t drive, especially in large communities.
Instead of banning, a mix of education, licensing, and clear rules could make streets safer for everyone.

Dubai is seeing a sharp rise in e-scooter and e-bike accidents. In just the first five months of 2025, 13 people lost their lives in micromobility-related incidents. That’s already more than the 10 deaths recorded in all of 2024. In response, some neighbourhoods, including Victory Heights and Jumeirah Beach Residence have banned e-scooters completely.

But for many residents, especially those without cars, e-scooters are more than a trend. They're a necessity. In communities like Green Community DIP-1, riding one can cut a 20-minute walk down to 3 minutes, a big deal in Dubai's summer heat.

The current approach feels all-or-nothing. Either full freedom or total bans. But the issue might not be the vehicles themselves, it’s the lack of consistent rules, awareness, and enforcement.

So the real question is: do we need more bans, or just better systems?

Education & Licensing or Banning?
Right now, anyone aged 16 or above can ride an e-scooter in Dubai. Helmets are mandatory, but you’ll often see people riding without them. There’s no requirement for training, testing, or understanding the rules of the road.

The argument for banning

• Safety risks: Riders often ignore traffic rules.
• Pedestrian danger: Scooters zip through crowded sidewalks.
• No system to hold reckless riders accountable.
• The argument for licensing and education
• Not everyone can afford a car or taxi.
• E-scooters are practical for short trips in large communities.

The problem is often poor behavior not the scooters themselves.

A structured training or licensing system could help filter out unsafe riders, much like we do with cars. Without that, people will continue riding without the knowledge to do it safely.

More Balanced Solutions: What Could Work Instead of a Ban?
Instead of banning scooters outright, here’s what a more measured approach could look like:

• Mandatory Licensing or Permit System: Riders must pass a short safety course and get a digital permit. This filters out riders who don’t understand road rules.
• Age Verification and Helmet Checks: Enforce age minimums and make helmets non-negotiable. Regular spot checks could help.
• Designated Lanes and Riding Zones: Expand scooter-friendly lanes to more areas. Right now, only a few places are officially approved by the RTA. Without safe paths, riders will continue to weave through traffic or ride on sidewalks.
• Community Awareness Programs: Educate both riders and pedestrians about shared safety responsibilities. Clear signs, school programs, and social campaigns could help shift behaviour.
• Enforcement with Real Penalties: Speeding, riding without helmets, or obstructing traffic should come with fines or bans. Rules only work when people know there are consequences.

E-Scooters Back on Dubai Metro, But With Rules
In October 2025, the RTA lifted its ban on e-scooters aboard public transport, allowing foldable models on the Metro and Tram under strict safety conditions.

• No riding in stations, footbridges, or on platforms.
• Must be folded at all times and powered off.
• Cannot block doors, aisles, or seats.
• No wet, dirty, or damaged scooters.
• No charging at stations.
• Batteries must meet international safety standards (like UL, IEC).

This move shows that the city isn’t anti-scooter, it just wants clear safety measures in place.

The Debate Over Freedom and Safety: What’s the Real Solution?
This issue comes down to balance. On one side: people’s right to use simple, affordable transport. On the other: the public’s right to feel safe in shared spaces.

Banning all scooters because of a few bad riders may be a quick fix, but it’s not a long-term answer. The better path might be tougher to build, it requires laws, education, awareness, and real enforcement but it’s fairer. And it actually solves the root of the problem.

FAQs

• Q1. Are e-scooters banned everywhere in Dubai now?

No. Only some residential areas have banned them. You can still ride in approved zones and public roads where allowed by the RTA.

• Q2. Can I take my e-scooter on the Metro?

Yes, but only if it’s foldable and you follow all RTA rules (like keeping it off, clean, and not blocking doors).

• Q3. Do I need a license to ride an e-scooter in Dubai?

As of now, no license is required. But there are growing calls for a formal training or permit system to improve safety.