Starting January 1, 2027, the UAE will implement comprehensive federal regulations for personal mobility devices, including electric scooters, e-bikes, and mopeds. A key feature of these new rules is a mandatory permit system, requiring applicants to be at least 15 years old. These permits will be valid for three years and must be obtained from local licensing authorities. Furthermore, all devices must now be officially registered, and riders are strictly prohibited from using motor vehicle lanes, instead being limited to designated paths where they must adhere to specific speed limits and traffic signal protocols.

These updates arrive in response to a sharp rise in safety incidents, with data indicating a 97 percent spike in major e-scooter accidents in 2025. To mitigate these risks, the regulations mandate specific safety features, including functional front and rear headlights, brake lights, and audible warning devices. While these federal rules establish a baseline, there remains some ambiguity regarding how they will align with existing, stricter local age requirements, such as Dubai’s current 16-year-old minimum. Ultimately, the government’s goal is to balance the popularity of these devices as a vital transport solution with the critical need to protect both riders and pedestrians on UAE roads.