E-Scooter License Dubai: Complete 2025 Guide (Application + Costs)
You bought a scooter. You’ve been riding it for three months. Today someone mentioned you need a license.
Wait, what?
Here’s what nobody tells you when you buy an e-scooter in Dubai. Not the store. Not the manual. Definitely not the RTA website that’s designed like it’s still 2009.
Let’s fix that.
Do You Actually Need an E-Scooter License in Dubai?
Short answer: Yes. Legally, you do.
Long answer: It depends on your scooter type and where you ride.
The RTA requires a license for:
- E-scooters that go faster than 20 km/h
- Riding on designated cycle tracks and roads
- Any electric mobility device used in public spaces
You don’t need one for:
- Scooters used only in private communities
- Kids’ scooters under 20 km/h (but good luck proving that)
The law says you need a license. Enforcement? We’ve sold 200+ scooters at Volt & Bolt. Three customers reported being stopped. All in JBR. Two got warnings. One got a AED 200 fine. Make your own choices.
Who Actually Needs a License vs. Who Doesn’t
✓ You’re Already Covered If:
- You have a UAE driving license (any category)
- You have an international driving license
- You have a motorcycle license
Your existing license covers e-scooters. Carry it while riding. You’re good.
✗ You Need the E-Scooter Permit If:
- You’re 16-17 years old (no driving license yet)
- You’re 18+ with no UAE license
- You’re a tourist with no international license
You must get the RTA e-scooter riding permit. Free process. Takes 15 minutes.
Think of it this way: If you can legally drive a car in the UAE, you can ride an e-scooter. If you can’t drive a car, you need the special e-scooter permit.
How to Get Your E-Scooter License Dubai (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Check If You Qualify
Requirements:
- Age 16+ (with parental consent if under 18)
- Emirates ID OR valid passport
- UAE mobile number
- 15 minutes of time
No driving license? No problem. That’s exactly what this permit is for.
Step 2: Download the RTA Dubai App
NOT the RTA Smart Drive app. Not the S’hail app. The plain “RTA Dubai” app.
I know. They have four apps that do similar things. This one’s the blue icon with the red logo.
Download from:
- App Store (iOS)
- Google Play (Android)
Or use the website at rta.ae if you prefer desktop.
Step 3: Create Your Account
For UAE residents:
- Tap “Register”
- Enter Emirates ID number
- Enter UAE mobile number
- Get OTP code via SMS
- System auto-fills your details from database
- Create password
- Done
For tourists:
- Select “Visitor” option
- Enter passport number
- Enter UAE mobile number (you need local SIM)
- Get OTP code via SMS
- Manually enter name, nationality, date of birth
- Create password
- Done
“OTP not arriving?” Check your Emirates ID has the correct mobile number. Residents can update this at EIDA service centers. Tourists: make sure you’re using an active UAE number.
Step 4: Find the E-Scooter Permit Service
In the app:
- Tap menu (three lines, top left)
- Select “Public Transport Services”
- Find “E-Scooter Riding Permit”
- Tap “Apply Now”
Step 5: Complete the Training (Required)
You’ll go through 4 training modules:
- Module 1: E-scooter specs (battery, motor, lights, brakes)
- Module 2: Traffic signs and road markings
- Module 3: Safety rules (helmet, zones, no passengers)
- Module 4: Rider responsibilities (parking, pedestrians, accidents)
Each module: 2-3 minutes of reading or short videos.
You can’t skip. Click through all of them.
The test pulls questions directly from these modules. Don’t just spam “Next” without reading. You’ll fail the test.
Step 6: Pass the Test
After training, you take a test:
- 20 multiple choice questions
- 30 minutes time limit
- Need 15 correct (75%) to pass
- Available in Arabic and English
Sample questions:
- “What’s the max speed in designated zones?” (Answer: 20 km/h)
- “Can you carry a passenger?” (Answer: No)
- “Minimum age to ride?” (Answer: 16 years)
Straightforward if you paid attention.
Retake immediately. No waiting period. No fee. Just review the modules and try again.
I’ve seen exactly one person fail this in two years. They weren’t paying attention. They retook it and passed.
Step 7: Get Your Permit (Instantly)
Pass the test? The permit is issued immediately.
You’ll receive it via:
- Email (PDF attachment)
- SMS (download link)
- RTA app (“My Documents” section)
Valid forever. No annual renewal. Get it once, keep it forever.
E-Scooter Permit Dubai: Costs Breakdown
Here’s what it costs:
- Application fee: AED 0 (free)
- Training modules: AED 0 (free)
- Test fee: AED 0 (free)
- Permit issuance: AED 0 (free)
- Renewal: Not required (no expiry)
Total cost: AED 0
Yes, completely free as of 2025. The RTA removed all fees in mid-2024.
Fees could come back anytime. The RTA website still mentions old 2023 pricing in some sections. Don’t wait.
Where Can You Ride With Your License?
Having the permit doesn’t mean every street is legal.
✓ Legal Riding Areas:
- Designated cycle tracks (red colored paths)
- Shared pedestrian/cycle paths
- 21 official e-scooter zones in Dubai
- Private communities (if management allows)
✗ Illegal Riding Areas:
- Sheikh Zayed Road (any highway)
- Most sidewalks (unless marked for cycles)
- Shopping mall corridors
- Metro platforms
Gray areas:
- Beach promenades (sometimes enforced, sometimes not)
- Parks (depends which park)
- Short distances between your building and cycle track (technically illegal, never enforced)
What Happens If You Ride Without a License?
Official penalty: AED 200 fine
What actually happens: Depends on location and the cop.
- Marina/JBR: Higher enforcement, fines issued regularly
- Dubai Hills/Arabian Ranches: Warnings only
- Deira/Bur Dubai: Never seen anyone stopped
- Downtown/DIFC: Occasional spot checks during events
RTA is ramping up enforcement near tourist areas. If you’re riding a Xiaomi Pro 2 at 25 km/h on JBR Walk, you will get stopped eventually.
Multiple violations without a permit? Police can confiscate your scooter. You’ll pay all fines + AED 3,000 release fee to get it back.
Some people just buy a new scooter. Cheaper than the release fee.
Scooter License vs. Motorcycle License: What’s the Difference?
Not the same thing.
E-Scooter Permit:
- Free
- Covers scooters under 50 km/h
- For cycle tracks only
- No driving test
- 15 minutes to get
Motorcycle License:
- Costs AED 3,000+ with training
- Required for anything over 50cc/50 km/h
- Can use roads
- Actual driving test required
- Weeks to complete
If your e-scooter can hit 60 km/h (some can), you technically need a motorcycle license. Nobody’s checking this yet. But if you crash at that speed, insurance will care.
Common Questions About E-Scooter License Dubai
Can tourists get an e-scooter license?
Yes. Tourists can get the e-scooter riding permit using their passport.
You need a UAE mobile number for OTP verification. Get a temporary SIM at the airport.
Do I need a license for e-bikes too?
Yes. Same permit covers both e-scooters and e-bikes.
What if I already have a motorcycle license?
You don’t need the e-scooter permit. Your motorcycle license covers you. Just carry it while riding.
Can I ride to work on my scooter?
Only if there’s a cycle track the entire route.
If your commute requires using roads without cycle lanes, technically no. Enforcement varies by area.
What if I can’t pass the test?
Retake it immediately. No limit on attempts. No extra fees.
Review the training modules between attempts. The questions come directly from there.
Is the permit valid in other Emirates?
Yes. It’s an RTA permit, valid across all UAE.
But each Emirate has different enforcement levels. Abu Dhabi is stricter than Dubai.
After You Get Your License: What’s Next
You’re legal now. But having the permit doesn’t mean you know the actual rules.
Make sure you understand:
- Speed limits (20 km/h in zones)
- Helmet requirements (mandatory for under 18, recommended for everyone)
- Metro rules (foldable scooters only, specific size limits)
- Parking regulations (where you can leave your scooter)
Keep it in your phone’s camera roll. Easier to show police than fumbling with the app. The app crashes sometimes.
So—What Are You Waiting For?
Takes 15 minutes. Free. Valid forever. No excuses.
Quick checklist:
- Download RTA Dubai app (or visit rta.ae)
- Create account with Emirates ID/passport
- Find “E-Scooter Riding Permit”
- Complete 4 training modules (10 min)
- Pass 20-question test (5 min)
- Get permit via email/SMS/app
- Screenshot it for quick access
Do it before your next ride. Police enforcement is real. AED 200 fines add up fast.
