UAE sets 15 as minimum age for e-scooter permits from 1 January 2027

Applicants for an e-scooter permit in the UAE must be at least 15 under new federal traffic regulations that start on 1 January 2027. Khaleej Times reported the details on 2 November 2026. Cabinet Resolution No. 174 of 2026 sets a three-year validity for each permit.

The resolution contains the executive regulations of the federal traffic law. It covers electric scooters, electric bicycles and mopeds. Riders of all three need a permit from the licensing authority before they use the device. Each device must also be registered, following procedures set by the licensing or traffic authorities.

The regulations describe an electric scooter as a two-wheeled or multi-wheeled device driven by an electric motor, which a rider can use standing or seated.

Equipment and road rules

Each scooter needs a front headlight, a rear light and a red light that switches on when the rider brakes. A horn or similar audible warning must be mounted on the handlebars, and at least the rear wheel must have brakes. Tyres must be fixed firmly and fit for use. Any spokes must be secure and properly tensioned, and every component fastened. Licensing authorities may add more safety requirements.

Riders may use only routes designated by the licensing or traffic authorities and must observe the speed limits set for them. Roads designated for motor vehicles are closed to e-scooters. At signals, riders may not cross on red and may cross on green. Once the green light starts flashing, they must not begin crossing, though anyone already crossing may finish.

The requirements cover privately owned devices as well as commercially rented ones.

Dubai's age limit

The federal age of 15 relates to permit applicants. Under Dubai's current rules, riders younger than 16 are not allowed on e-scooters. How the federal provisions will work alongside the Dubai restriction is not spelled out in the new regulations.

For residents and visitors in Dubai who ride or rent e-scooters, a permit and registration will be required once the rules apply, and rented devices fall under the same safety requirements.

Khaleej Times also cited figures from RoadSafetyUAE, based on Ministry of Interior data: major e-scooter accidents rose by 97 per cent in 2025 against the year before.