E-Scooters in Dubai : Can You Ride One in the City?

E-scooters in Dubai can help you commute to your destination and cover short distances. The city of gold, Dubai, is a well-known travel destination owing to its diversified skyline, breezy beaches, modern art, and architecture. However, the influx of travellers from all over the world can cause much traffic. To tackle this issue, an e-scooter is the solution. Additionally, the price of e-scooters in Dubai is also much more affordable than other vehicles. 

Riding an e-scooter in Dubai could be fun and help you combat the rising fuel prices as well. It also offers you the opportunity to take a closer look at the city as you glide through its streets on your own without a guide.

This article will guide you on what an e-scooter ride in Dubai is like, the must-follow e-scooter guidelines, and how to rent/own an e-scooter in Dubai.

E-Scooters in Dubai for Adults

E-scooters in Dubai for adults are different from those made for kids. These e-scooters are mostly made up of metal which makes them stronger to hold the weight of an adult. The battery is also more potent and larger to enhance the range of the e-scooter. It also comprises a redesigned motor and a fully functional barking system.

Dubai has come forward with this initiative to make travelling within the city eco-friendly. As per the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) reports created on trials conducted in over five zones, e-scooters have shown an 82% success rating for both citizens and tourists commuting in the city.

Chosen by the RTA on the basis of integrated infrastructure, private development, population density and availability of public modes of transportation, the five e-scooter riding zones in Dubai are:

• Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
• Jumeirah Lakes Tower
• The Palm Jumeirah
• City Walk
• Dubai Internet City

Rental E-Scooters in Dubai

An e-scooter is a fun and eco-friendly mode of transport ideal for covering short distances. There are several operators of e-scooter rental in Dubai who you can reach out to rent one.

And it is pretty easy to rent an e-scooter in Dubai. All you have to do is reach the e-scooter zone, download the app of the e-scooter operators, book your ride by scanning the QR code, and you are good to go. The app works with GPS to find the nearest e-scooters. Upon completing your e-scooter ride, you can park the e-scooter in the nearest e-scooter station. The app will then redirect you to complete the payment for your ride.

While renting, the service providers for e-scooter rentals in Dubai will charge you a certain amount as a security deposit. The price to unlock an e-scooter in Dubai is 3 AED and AED 0.3 to 0.5 per minute for the ride. You can even pause the ride when not driving, which will help keep the cost at bay.

Things to Remember For Owning an E-Scooter in Dubai

Being one of the most popular destinations, Dubai can be a little crowded, wherein commuting on public transport could be a hassle. In such cases, owning an e-scooter is not only a wise choice but a cost-effective and eco-friendly one.

However, you should be mindful that not every area of Dubai is designated to ride an e-scooter. Buying an e-scooter in a non-e-scooter zone can therefore prove to be a violation of the UAE federal traffic law.

If your residence is within the e-scooter zone, owning an e-scooter will be fairly easy. In such locations, the price of an e-scooter in Dubai is around AED 2,000 to AED 3,000. For long term use, your e-scooter must comply with the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) guidelines which include the following:

• • The e-scooter should be well lighted with proper head and tail lights.
  • A warning horn is a must.
  • The maximum speed limit should be 15-20 km/h.
  • Your e-scooter must be GPS tagged to remain in the designated e-scooter area.

RTA Guidelines for E-scooters in Dubai

The Road and Transport Authority has created some guidelines for the e-scooter rider to ensure a safer commute, complying with all traffic rules. Let’s get to know each of them below.

• Age Limit for Riding E-Scooters in Dubai

In the initial phase, the age limit for riding e-scooters in Dubai was 14-year-old and above. However, due to the safety concern of the rider, the age limit has been later increased to 16-year-old and above.

• Riding Gears

The rider should wear a helmet and essential gear like a knee pad, elbow guard, etc. Avoid wearing loose clothing as that might get caught in the wheels and cause an accident.

• Carrying Goods

Riders are not allowed to carry goods on the e-scooter as it may cause an imbalance.

• Safety of Others

Riding an e-scooter on the pedestrian crossing is prohibited. The rider must make a safe distance from pedestrians and vehicles while commuting on e-scooters in Dubai.

• Listening to Music

Wearing dual headsets while riding on an e-scooter in Dubai is prohibited.

• Parking Station

The rider must park the e-scooter in its designated place responsibly. If the app is not showing any nearest e-scooter parking spot, the rider must park the e-scooter without obstructing traffic and pedestrians.

• Traffic Rules and Regulations

The e-scooter rider must follow all the traffic rules and regulations and observe the traffic signs for a safe and sound ride.

• Riding Limitations

Riding an e-scooter in parks is prohibited. Riders must ride the e-scooter individually without carrying any passengers that may break the e-scooter and land you in trouble.

• Informing Authorities

In case of any accident or damage to any property, while commuting on e-scooters in Dubai, the rider must inform relevant authorities immediately.

• Speed Limit

The speed of e-scooters in Dubai should not go above 20km/h. This ensures that the rider is in full control of the lightweight vehicle.

• Riding Lanes

The rider must ride the e-scooter on the designated lanes only. Avoid riding in fast tracks as it may cause an accident or obstruct other vehicles.

• Designated Riding Area

The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has marked the zones safe for e-scooters in Dubai. Riding the e-scooter in a non-designated area will be considered a violation of the UAE federal traffic law.

Wrapping Up

Dubai is currently working on increasing the zones for e-scooters at an exponential pace to make the whole city environment friendly with a greener and cheaper mode of transportation. Whether you buy or go for e-scooter rentals in Dubai, all the guidelines mentioned above are recommended for you to follow for a hassle-free and fun ride.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)