E-Scooter License Dubai: How to Apply, Cost, Requirements 2026
You want to ride an e-scooter in Dubai legally. Everyone online says you need a “license.” But when you go to the RTA website, there’s no such thing as an “e-scooter license.” So what do you actually apply for?
The confusion comes from mixing up two different things — a riding permit and a driving licence. They’re not the same. One is free and takes 15 minutes. The other costs AED 850–1,100 and takes weeks. Applying for the wrong one wastes your time. Applying for neither wastes your legal protection.
I break down exactly which document you need, what it costs, what you need to apply, and the fastest way to be fully legal on an e-scooter in Dubai.
There’s No “E-Scooter License” — Here’s What Actually Exists
Dubai doesn’t have a dedicated e-scooter license.
What exists are two separate documents that both make you legal to ride:
Riding Permit
A simple permit issued by the RTA specifically for e-scooters and low-power e-bikes. Free. Applied online. No test, no lessons. Covers cycle tracks and shared paths in Dubai only. This is the quickest way to be legal.
UAE Driving Licence
A full driving licence covers e-scooters, e-bikes, and cars. More expensive, takes longer to get (lessons + test). But it’s the single document that covers you everywhere in the UAE — all seven emirates. Better long-term investment.
Here’s the thing…
If you already have a UAE driving licence, you don’t need to do anything else. You’re already covered for e-scooters. The riding permit only matters if you don’t have a driving licence yet.
Riding Permit: Requirements and How to Apply
The riding permit is the faster option. Here’s exactly what you need.
Riding Permit: Requirements Checklist
What You Need| Requirement | Details | Got It? |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates ID or Passport | Front and back scan or photo | Most people |
| Selfie photo | Clear, well-lit, facing forward | Easy |
| Age 16+ | Under 16 cannot get the permit | Check age |
| RTA Dubai app | Free download, iOS and Android | 5 min setup |
| Cost | AED 0 — completely free | ✓ Free |
That’s it. No medical test. No driving test. No lessons. No waiting at an RTA office. The whole thing is done on your phone.
- 1
Download the RTA Dubai app
App Store or Google Play. Create an account with your Emirates ID or passport details.
- 2
Navigate to Services → Permits → Riding Permit
Don’t search for “e-scooter.” The category is simply “Riding Permit.” It’s under the Permits section.
- 3
Upload your ID documents and selfie
Make sure the selfie is clear — blurry photos get rejected and you restart. Natural lighting, no filter.
- 4
Review and submit
No payment step — it’s free. Hit submit. Most approvals come within 24 hours. Some are instant.
- 5
Download and save your permit
Save as PDF or screenshot. You don’t need to print it. Showing it on your phone is accepted if you’re stopped.
Want the full walkthrough with photos of every RTA app screen? RTA E-Scooter Permit Online: Complete Application in 20 Minutes
Driving Licence Route: Cost and Timeline
But here’s where it gets interesting…
If you want the better long-term option — or if you plan to drive a car anyway — the driving licence is the smarter move. It covers everything. But it costs more and takes longer.
Dubai Driving Licence: Cost Breakdown
2026 Prices| Item | Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | AED 220 | One-time, non-refundable |
| Driving lessons (minimum) | AED 400–550 | 20 lessons minimum for most nationalities |
| Theory test | Included | Taken at the driving centre |
| Practical test | Included | Two parts: parking + road |
| Total (typical) | AED 850–1,100 | Varies by nationality and centre |
Some nationalities (US, UK, Australia, etc.) can convert their existing licence directly without lessons. That drops the cost significantly — around AED 220–350 total. Check with the RTA if this applies to you.
Citizens of around 18 countries can convert their existing driving licence to a UAE licence without taking lessons or a test. This includes the US, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, and others. If you already have a licence from one of these countries, the driving licence route becomes the faster and cheaper option.
Riding Permit vs Driving Licence: Side by Side
Permit vs Licence: Full Comparison
Which One for You| Feature | Riding Permit | Driving Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | AED 850–1,100 |
| Time to get | 15 minutes | 2–6 weeks |
| Test required | No | Yes (theory + practical) |
| Covers Dubai | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Covers other emirates | ✗ No | ✓ All 7 emirates |
| Covers e-bikes | ✓ Tier 1 only | ✓ Tier 1 only |
| Covers cars | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Best for | Quick fix, Dubai only | Long-term, full coverage |
✓ Get the Riding Permit If:
- You need to be legal today
- You only ride in Dubai
- You don’t plan to drive a car
- You’re new to Dubai and still sorting things out
- Cost matters right now
✓ Get the Driving Licence If:
- You plan to drive a car eventually
- You ride in multiple emirates
- You want one document for everything
- You can convert from your home country licence
- You want maximum legal coverage
Common Mistakes People Make
Here’s the thing…
We see the same mistakes over and over at the shop. Here’s what to avoid.
Because enforcement is inconsistent, most people just ride. It works — until it doesn’t. One accident without a permit and you’re personally liable for everything. The permit is free. There’s no downside to having it.
Some people see “motorized vehicle” and go straight for a motorcycle licence. For a standard e-scooter, this is massive overkill. The riding permit or a regular driving licence is all you need. Motorcycle licence is only for high-power e-bikes (750W+).
It doesn’t. Each emirate has its own rules. If you ride into Sharjah or Abu Dhabi regularly, you need to sort their requirements separately — or get a UAE driving licence, which covers everything.
Riding in Sharjah? The rules are stricter and the permit is different: E-Scooter Sharjah Laws 2026: Full Guide
There’s no “e-scooter license.” There are two options — and one of them is free.
If you don’t have a UAE driving licence: get the riding permit. Free. 15 minutes. Done on your phone. It covers Dubai.
If you already have a driving licence, or plan to get one: you’re covered. No permit needed.
If you ride in other emirates: the driving licence is the only document that covers you everywhere. The permit is Dubai only.
Quick Decision Guide
- Already have a UAE driving licence? You’re legal. Nothing else to do.
- No driving licence and only ride in Dubai? Get the riding permit — free, 15 min, RTA app.
- No driving licence but ride in multiple emirates? Get the driving licence — it covers everything.
- From a conversion-eligible country? Convert your licence — fastest and cheapest route to full coverage.
- Under 16? You cannot legally ride on public roads in Dubai. No permit available.
- Blurry selfie on your application? It’ll get rejected. Redo it in good light before resubmitting.
Got your permit or licence sorted?
Now the next question: where can you actually ride legally in Dubai? Cycle tracks, shared paths, and residential streets have different rules.
