Is 15 the new magic number for e-scooters? Under new federal traffic rules starting January 1, 2027, 15-years-old will be the new minimum age to apply for an e-scooter permit. But there’s actually a catch for Dubai riders… Keep reading for all the important details you need to know.
Who Can Get A Permit?
The UAE has set 15 as the minimum age to apply for an e-scooter permit. Once you have one, it’s valid for three years. All of this comes from Cabinet Resolution No. 174 of 2026, which lays out the executive regulations for the UAE’s federal traffic law.
What’s Covered?
The rules don’t just cover e-scooters. They also include electric bicycles and mopeds, under the heading “personal mobility devices”. They cover everything from permits and registration to safety equipment and where you’re allowed to ride.
You’ll need a permit for all three types of device, and you must get it from the relevant licensing authority before you ride. Your device also has to be registered, following the procedures set by the licensing or traffic authorities.
What About Dubai’s Age Limit?
This is where it gets a little tricky. The federal minimum age for permit applicants is 15, but Dubai’s current rules say nobody under 16 can ride an e-scooter. The new regulations don’t spell out how the two will work together, so we’ll have to wait and see.
Crossing At Traffic Signals
Riders have to follow signal rules too:
- Red light: no crossing.
- Green light: you can cross, as long as other rules allow it.
- Flashing green: don’t start crossing. If you’re already on your way across, you can finish.
Safety Gear Your E-Scooter Must Have
Your scooter needs to be fitted with:
- A front headlight to light up the road at night
- A rear light
- A red brake light that comes on when you brake
- A horn or other audible warning device on the handlebars
- Brakes on at least the rear wheel
Tyres must be securely fitted and suitable for use. Where a scooter has wheel spokes, they need to be properly secured and tensioned. Every part must be fastened properly so the scooter is safe to ride. Licensing authorities can also add more safety requirements.
Where Can You Ride?
You can only use routes set by the relevant licensing or traffic authorities, and you’ll need to stick to the speed limits on those routes. E-scooters are not allowed on roads designated for motor vehicles.
These rules apply whether the scooter is yours or a rental. The regulations also officially define an e-scooter: a device with two or more wheels, powered by an electric motor, that you can ride standing up or sitting down.
Why Now? Safety Concerns Are Growing
The new rules arrive at a time of rising worry about the safety of both riders and pedestrians. As reported by Khaleej Times, major e-scooter accidents rose by 97 per cent in 2025 compared with the year before, according to RoadSafetyUAE’s analysis of Ministry of Interior data.
A survey of 1,010 residents by RoadSafetyUAE and Al Wathba Insurance found:
- 93% had seen unsafe or reckless e-scooter riding.
- 89% had seen riders in areas where they aren’t allowed.
- 60% still believe e-scooters serve an important transport need.
The e-scooter scene is getting a rule refresh, and with the new year around the corner, it’s worth knowing the dos and don’ts before you head out. And, if your 15th birthday is right around the corner, I think you know what you can finally ask your parents to gift you.
