Banning or licensing? Dubai’s E-scooter safety needs smarter regulation

TL;DR13 people died in e-scooter and e-bike incidents in Dubai in early 2025, triggering bans in some areas.E-scooters offer vital transport options for residents who don’t drive, especially in large communities.Instead of banning, a mix of education, licensing, and clear rules could make streets safer for everyone.Dubai is seeing a sharp rise in e-scooter and e-bike accidents. In just the first five months of 2025, 13 people lost their lives in micromobility-related incidents. That’s already more than the 10 deaths recorded in all of 2024. In response, some neighbourhoods, including Victory Heights and Jumeirah Beach Residence have banned e-scooters completely.But for many residents, especially those without cars, e-scooters are more than a trend. They're a necessity. In communities like Green Community DIP-1, riding one can cut a 20-minute walk down to 3 minutes, a big deal in Dubai's summer heat.The current approach feels all-or-nothing. Either full freedom or total bans. But the issue might not be the vehicles themselves, it’s the lack of consistent rules, awareness, and enforcement.So the real question is: do we need more bans, or just better systems?Right now, anyone aged 16 or above can ride an e-scooter in Dubai. Helmets are mandatory, but you’ll often see people riding without them. There’s no requirement for training, testing, or understanding the rules of the road.The argument for banningThe problem is often poor behavior not the scooters themselves.A structured training or licensing system could help filter out unsafe riders, much like we do with cars. Without that, people will continue riding without the knowledge to do it safely.Instead of banning scooters outright, here’s what a more measured approach could look like:In October 2025, the RTA lifted its ban on e-scooters aboard public transport, allowing foldable models on the Metro and Tram under strict safety conditions. This move shows that the city isn’t anti-scooter, it just wants clear safety measures in place.This issue comes down to balance. On one side: people’s right to use simple, affordable transport. On the other: the public’s right to feel safe in shared spaces.Banning all scooters because of a few bad riders may be a quick fix, but it’s not a long-term answer. The better path might be tougher to build, it requires laws, education, awareness, and real enforcement but it’s fairer. And it actually solves the root of the problem.No. Only some residential areas have banned them. You can still ride in approved zones and public roads where allowed by the RTA.Yes, but only if it’s foldable and you follow all RTA rules (like keeping it off, clean, and not blocking doors).As of now, no license is required. But there are growing calls for a formal training or permit system to improve safety.