UAE Sets Minimum Age of 15 for E-Scooter and E-Bike Permits From 2027
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced new traffic regulations that will set the minimum age for obtaining an electric scooter and personal mobility permit at 15 years.
The new rules will take effect on January 1, 2027. They will introduce permit requirements, device registration procedures and stricter safety standards for electric scooters, electric bicycles and other personal mobility devices.
The changes are part of the UAE’s wider effort to regulate the growing use of smaller electric transport vehicles.
For residents, visitors and young riders, the new regulations are important because they clarify the requirements for using personal mobility devices on public roads.
However, there is an important distinction between the new federal minimum age and existing local rules. Dubai currently has a minimum age of 16 for e-scooter riders. Authorities have not yet clearly explained how the new federal age of 15 will interact with this existing restriction.
UAE E-Scooter Minimum Age 2027: What Has Changed?
Under the new federal regulations, individuals must be at least 15 years old to apply for permits covering electric scooters, electric bicycles and small motorised bikes.
The permits will remain valid for three years and can be renewed.
The new framework also requires personal mobility devices to be registered according to procedures established by the relevant licensing or traffic authorities.
This means riders will need to pay attention to more than their age. They must also ensure that their vehicles meet the required technical standards and that they use approved routes.
The regulations form part of Cabinet Resolution No. 174 of 2026, which sets out the executive regulations for Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on traffic regulation.
Key Changes at a Glance
| Requirement | New UAE rule |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for permit applications | 15 years |
| Effective date | January 1, 2027 |
| Permit validity | 3 years |
| Renewal | Permitted |
| Device registration | Required under applicable procedures |
| Approved riding routes | Mandatory |
| Safety equipment | Must meet prescribed standards |
| Commercial rental devices | Covered by the regulations |
The new rules apply across the UAE’s federal regulatory framework. Individual emirates may also have local requirements that riders must follow.
Which Vehicles Are Covered by the New Regulations?
The updated regulations cover six categories of personal mobility devices.
These categories include traditional bicycles, electric bicycles, electric scooters, small motorised bikes, skateboards and mobility devices designed for elderly people and individuals with disabilities.
The inclusion of different types of vehicles is intended to provide a more structured regulatory framework for personal mobility.
Here is a breakdown of the six categories.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Traditional bicycles | Conventional pedal-powered bicycles |
| Electric bicycles | Bicycles powered with electric assistance or motors |
| Electric scooters | Two-or-more-wheel electric personal mobility devices |
| Small motorised bikes | Small vehicles with engines not exceeding 50cc and maximum speeds of 45 km/h |
| Skateboards | Personal mobility devices used for riding and movement |
| Special mobility devices | Devices designed for elderly people and persons with disabilities |
The regulations distinguish between different vehicle types. Therefore, riders should not assume that every category has identical permit and operating requirements.
The relevant licensing authority will determine the procedures applicable to each device.
Dubai’s Existing Minimum Age Is Still 16
One important issue concerns the difference between the new federal minimum age and Dubai’s existing e-scooter rules.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) currently lists 16 as the minimum age for its e-scooter permit service.
Its published safety guidance also requires riders to be at least 16.
The new federal regulations set the minimum age for permit applications at 15. However, reports indicate that the regulations do not explicitly explain whether Dubai will change its existing age restriction.
This creates an important distinction for young riders.
A 15-year-old may meet the new federal age requirement for applying for a permit, but that does not automatically confirm that they can legally ride an e-scooter in Dubai.
Until the relevant authorities clarify the position, riders should continue following the applicable emirate-level requirements.
Anyone planning to use an e-scooter in Dubai should check the latest RTA guidance before riding.
E-Scooter Permits Will Be Valid for Three Years
The new regulations introduce a three-year validity period for personal mobility permits.
After the permit expires, riders will be able to renew it under the applicable procedures.
The permit system is intended to create a more structured approach to personal mobility.
Previously, rules and requirements could vary depending on the emirate and the type of device being used.
The updated federal framework establishes common requirements while allowing the relevant authorities to manage licensing, registration and designated routes.
Riders should check with their local licensing authority to understand the application process, documentation requirements and any applicable fees.
The announcement does not provide a complete nationwide fee schedule for the new permits.
New Safety Requirements for E-Scooters and Other Devices
The UAE is also introducing technical standards to improve the safety of personal mobility devices.
These requirements are particularly important for electric scooters because riders share public spaces with pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
Under the new framework, devices must meet several equipment standards.
1. Front Lights
Personal mobility devices must have front-facing lights for visibility during night-time use.
The regulations specify lighting requirements that include forward-facing illumination.
This helps other road users identify approaching riders, especially in low-light conditions.
2. Rear Lights and Brake Lights
Devices must have rear-facing red lights.
They must also have a red brake light connected to the braking system, allowing other road users to recognise when a rider is slowing down or stopping.
3. Audible Warning Device
An audible warning device must be fitted to the handlebars.
This allows riders to alert pedestrians and other road users when necessary.
4. Braking System
The regulations require braking capability on at least one wheel, with the specified equipment standards including a brake fitted to at least the rear wheel.
A properly functioning braking system is essential for controlling speed and avoiding collisions.
5. Tyres and Other Components
Tyres must be securely installed and suitable for road use.
Wheel spokes and other components must also be properly secured.
These requirements aim to reduce mechanical risks caused by loose or poorly maintained equipment.
Where Can E-Scooter Riders Use Their Vehicles?
The new regulations restrict where personal mobility devices can be operated.
Riders must use routes designated by the relevant licensing or traffic authorities.
They are not allowed to ride personal mobility devices on roads specifically intended for conventional motor vehicles.
This requirement is designed to reduce conflicts between smaller mobility devices and cars, buses and heavy vehicles.
Riders must also observe the applicable speed limits and traffic instructions.
These restrictions apply to privately owned devices as well as vehicles offered through commercial rental services.
Therefore, renting an e-scooter does not remove the responsibility to follow the traffic rules.
Before using a device, riders should check the approved routes in their emirate.
New Rules for Traffic Signals and Pedestrian Crossings
The updated regulations also clarify how pedestrians and personal mobility users should respond to traffic signals.
The rules establish three basic instructions:
| Traffic signal | Required action |
|---|---|
| Red | Do not begin crossing |
| Green | Crossing is permitted, subject to applicable rules |
| Flashing green | Do not begin a new crossing; people already crossing may continue safely |
These instructions are intended to reduce confusion at intersections.
Riders should slow down near pedestrian crossings and follow the signals and instructions provided by traffic authorities.
They should also give pedestrians sufficient space and avoid sudden movements in crowded areas.
Commercial E-Scooter Rental Companies Must Also Comply
The new framework does not apply only to people who own electric scooters.
Commercial rental operators must also ensure that their devices meet the applicable safety and technical requirements.
This is important because shared e-scooters have become part of urban transport in several UAE cities.
Rental companies will need to follow the relevant registration and operating procedures.
Customers should also understand that using a rented scooter does not exempt them from permit, age or route requirements.
The rider remains responsible for following the applicable rules.
Why Is the UAE Introducing Stricter E-Scooter Rules?
Electric scooters and bicycles offer convenient transport for short journeys.
They can help people travel between residential areas, public transport stations, offices and nearby destinations.
However, their growing popularity also creates road-safety challenges.
Scooters share space with pedestrians and other vehicles. Poorly maintained devices, excessive speed and unsafe riding can increase the risk of accidents.
The new regulations aim to address these issues through clearer age requirements, permits, registration and technical standards.
They also give licensing and traffic authorities a more structured framework for controlling where personal mobility devices can operate.
The overall objective is to support modern urban transport while improving safety for riders and other road users.
What Should UAE Residents Do Before January 2027?
People who regularly use electric scooters or bicycles should prepare for the new requirements before they take effect.
Here are some practical steps:
- Check your age eligibility: Confirm whether you meet the minimum age requirement for the relevant device and emirate.
- Review permit requirements: Contact the relevant licensing authority for application procedures.
- Check device registration: Find out whether your scooter or bicycle must be registered.
- Inspect safety equipment: Make sure the vehicle has the required lights, brakes and other safety components.
- Use approved routes: Identify the routes designated for personal mobility devices.
- Follow local rules: Check whether your emirate has additional restrictions.
Dubai residents should pay particular attention to the existing minimum age of 16 until the RTA or another relevant authority clarifies whether it will change.
Conclusion
The UAE will introduce new personal mobility regulations on January 1, 2027, including a minimum age of 15 for applying for permits covering electric scooters, electric bicycles and small motorised bikes.
The new framework also introduces three-year permits, registration requirements, technical safety standards and restrictions on where these vehicles can be used.
The changes will affect private owners and commercial rental operators.
However, Dubai’s existing minimum age of 16 for e-scooter riders remains an important point to watch. The relationship between that local requirement and the new federal age of 15 has not yet been clearly explained.
For now, riders should follow the applicable rules in their emirate and check official guidance before applying for permits or using personal mobility devices.