Dubai Police have impounded 13,657 electric scooters in the first eight months of 2026, marking a significant escalation in enforcement efforts aimed at curbing dangerous riding practices across the emirate. The sustained campaign targets riders who disregard traffic regulations, with authorities emphasizing that the primary objective is to prevent fatalities, serious injuries, and permanent disabilities resulting from accidents.
Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, stated that field teams are actively taking legal action against offenders to ensure the safety of both riders and the general public. The crackdown comes as official data highlights a concerning trend in road safety, with major e-scooter accidents in the UAE nearly doubling in 2025, rising by 97 per cent from 61 to 120 cases compared to the previous year.
Enforcement Against Dangerous Riding Practices
Authorities have identified several specific violations that are driving the current wave of confiscations. These include operating e-scooters on public roads where speed limits exceed 60 km/h, traveling against the flow of traffic, and riding on sidewalks or through commercial markets. Patrols are also targeting riders who weave between lanes, cross roads in non-designated areas, or operate in zones strictly prohibited for micro-mobility devices.
Brigadier bin Suwaidan emphasized that such conduct poses a severe risk to the rider and pedestrians alike. The police department has made it clear that there is zero tolerance for these behaviors, and the high volume of seized units reflects a commitment to removing non-compliant or dangerous riders from the streets. The enforcement drive is part of a broader strategy to integrate e-scooters safely into Dubai’s urban transport network while maintaining strict adherence to traffic laws.
Regulatory Standards and Rider Responsibilities
To operate legally in Dubai, riders must adhere to a strict set of safety requirements established by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). This includes holding a valid RTA permit and being at least 16 years old. Furthermore, the equipment itself must meet specific safety standards, including the presence of a white front light, a red rear light, functional reflectors, and reliable brakes. Riders are also mandated to wear a helmet and a reflective vest during operation.
These regulations are not merely suggestions but are considered essential duties for anyone using the city's infrastructure. The police have reiterated that compliance is a fundamental responsibility for protecting lives. By enforcing these standards, authorities aim to ensure that the convenience of micro-mobility does not come at the cost of public safety or the well-being of the rider.
Addressing Illegal Modifications and Parental Accountability
Beyond basic traffic violations, authorities are increasingly concerned about the illegal modification of e-scooters. Reports indicate that some devices have been tampered with to reach speeds of up to 120 km/h, far exceeding the 20 km/h limit permitted on designated routes. This trend has prompted officials to pursue tougher legislative measures, including plans to hold parents directly accountable for the unsafe use of e-scooters by their children.
This focus on parental responsibility follows a series of incidents involving young riders, leading to a collaborative effort between the police and the RTA to tighten regulations. By targeting the source of these modifications and emphasizing the role of guardians, officials hope to curb the rise in accidents involving minors. The ongoing crackdown serves as a stark warning to both riders and parents that the safety of the community remains the top priority for Dubai’s traffic authorities.
Designated Zones and Future Compliance
For those following the rules, the city provides specific infrastructure designed for safe transit. Permitted areas for e-scooter use include high-traffic hubs such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai Internet City, Al Rigga, City Walk, Palm Jumeirah, Karama, Mankhool, and Al Quoz 4. Riders are urged to stay within these marked routes to avoid legal repercussions and ensure their own safety.
As the enforcement campaign continues, the message from Dubai Police remains consistent: road safety is a collective duty. With thousands of scooters already removed from circulation, the authorities are signaling that the era of unregulated or reckless e-scooter use in the emirate is coming to a definitive end. Future milestones for this initiative will likely include further legislative updates and continued monitoring of accident statistics to gauge the effectiveness of these measures.
