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 reckless riding. The sustained campaign, led by the General Department of Traffic, seeks to address a sharp rise in traffic violations that authorities warn are leading to preventable deaths, serious injuries, and permanent disabilities across the emirate.
This enforcement drive comes as official data highlights a dangerous trend in personal mobility usage. Major e-scooter accidents in the UAE nearly doubled in 2025, surging by 97 per cent from 61 to 120 cases compared to the previous year. Authorities are now targeting specific behaviors that endanger both riders and pedestrians, including the illegal modification of scooters to reach speeds as high as 120kph.
Escalating Enforcement Against Reckless Riding
Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, emphasized that the current crackdown is a necessary measure to safeguard public safety. Field teams are actively identifying and removing scooters from the road that are operated in violation of established traffic laws. The police have adopted a zero-tolerance approach toward riders who ignore safety protocols, particularly in high-risk areas.
Specific violations drawing police attention include riding on public roads where speed limits exceed 60 km/h, traveling against the flow of traffic, and operating on sidewalks or in narrow market alleyways. Officers are also targeting riders who weave dangerously between lanes or cross roads in non-designated zones. These actions, according to the department, are not merely minor infractions but represent a fundamental threat to road safety that requires immediate legal intervention.
Regulatory Standards and Rider Responsibilities
To operate an e-scooter legally in Dubai, riders must adhere to a strict set of safety requirements. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) mandates that users must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid permit. Furthermore, the machines themselves must be equipped with functional brakes, a white front light with a reflector, and a red rear light with a reflector. Riders are also required to wear a helmet and reflective clothing to ensure visibility.
"Compliance with the law is not an option, but a fundamental responsibility for protecting lives and road safety," Brigadier bin Suwaidan stated. The department has made it clear that riders are expected to stay within marked routes and adhere to the 20 km/h speed limit imposed on designated paths. Failure to meet these standards or to follow officer instructions results in the immediate confiscation of the vehicle.
Addressing Illegal Modifications and Parental Accountability
Beyond basic traffic violations, authorities are increasingly concerned about the technical modification of e-scooters. Reports indicate that some users have illegally altered their devices to achieve speeds of up to 120kph, far exceeding the safety limits for which the vehicles were designed. This trend has prompted a broader legislative response, with officials planning to introduce tougher regulations to hold parents accountable for their children’s unsafe use of e-scooters.
This focus on accountability follows a series of incidents that have forced the government to re-evaluate how personal mobility devices are managed in urban environments. By targeting the source of these modifications and emphasizing parental responsibility, Dubai Police aim to reduce the frequency of high-speed accidents that have plagued the city's roads over the past year. The ongoing cooperation between police and the RTA remains central to these efforts.
Designated Zones and Future Safety Measures
Dubai has established specific zones where e-scooter usage is permitted, including areas such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai Internet City, and Palm Jumeirah. These designated paths are designed to keep riders separated from high-speed vehicular traffic, thereby reducing the risk of collisions. Similar zones have been established in Abu Dhabi by the Integrated Transport Centre, covering locations like Yas Island and the Corniche.
As the enforcement campaign continues, the authorities remain focused on long-term behavioral change among riders. The police have urged the public to report dangerous riding and have reiterated that the primary goal of these seizures is to prevent further loss of life. With the number of accidents having nearly doubled in the last year, the pressure on riders to conform to safety standards is expected to remain high throughout the remainder of 2026.
