Electric Mobility Devices in Dubai: Which Rules Apply to Each Type?
Quick answer
Dubai’s clearest device rules cover three types: pedal bicycles, e-bikes and standing e-scooters. Hoverboards, electric unicycles, Onewheels, electric skateboards and wheelchairs are not named in Dubai’s 2022 cycle resolution. That does not mean they are allowed, and it does not mean they are banned. A federal law names skateboards and mobility devices as personal transportation, but we could not find its detailed rules for them. Check the exact device and location with the authority or site owner.
How this guide was made: We read the legal texts and official pages listed below on 3 November 2026. English legal texts may be translations, and Dubai’s resolution says the Arabic version prevails. “Not confirmed” means we did not find a clear official rule. It does not prove that no rule exists. This guide covers Dubai and is not legal advice. Other emirates set their own rules, such as Abu Dhabi’s 2022 rules.
The rules that sit above each device
- Federal law: Federal Decree-Law 14 of 2024 defines “personal transportation”. It names electric bicycles, bicycles, electric scooters, skateboards, elderly transporters and transporters for people with disabilities, plus other types the Cabinet may specify. Gulf News reports that the law took effect on 29 March 2025. It leaves classification and users’ duties to executive regulations, and we could not find those details for these devices.
- Dubai law: Executive Council Resolution 13 of 2022 covers pedal cycles, e-bikes, e-scooters and any other type of cycle RTA determines. Its implementing bylaw sets out where they may go.
- Place rules: parks, malls, communities, stations and private sites can have their own limits.
- Proposals: Khaleej Times reported on 15 April 2026 that a draft Dubai law may bring e-scooter registration and number plates. It is a proposal in that report, not a rule you can rely on yet.
Device-by-device table
All rows were checked on 3 November 2026. On a phone, swipe sideways to see every column.
| Device | Main source | What is confirmed | Location limits | Still unanswered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedal bicycle | Resolution 13 of 2022 (2022) | Defined. A rider under 12 needs a cyclist aged 18 or over. Helmet and reflective vest are listed | Barred from roads above 60 km/h and from walking or jogging lanes | Whether a federal regulation changes any detail |
| E-bike | Resolution 13 of 2022 (2022) | Defined. Riders under 16 are prohibited. No permit is listed for standard e-bikes | Barred from roads above 60 km/h. Bylaw lists permitted lanes and roads | How very fast or throttle-only models are classed |
| Standing e-scooter | Resolution 13 of 2022; RTA permit service (checked 2026) | Defined as ridden standing with no seat. Permit required, with exemptions | Bylaw allows signed e-scooter cycle lanes with a 20 km/h limit, and certain signed roads. Dubai Municipality barred them from public parks (2021 report) | Minimum age: RTA’s service page says 16, a December 2025 notice says 17 |
| Seated moped or seated scooter | Resolution 13 of 2022 (2022); federal “vehicle” definition (2024) | Not confirmed as a category. A seat means it does not fit the e-scooter definition | Not confirmed. May depend on its class | Whether it is an e-bike or a vehicle needing registration |
| Hoverboard | Dubai Municipality and Dubai Police, reported in February 2016 | Not confirmed as current. Not named in the 2022 resolution or federal list | 2016 reports: allowed only where bicycles and skateboards are allowed; barred from roads, walkways and malls | Who regulates them now, and whether the 2016 position still applies |
| Skateboard, including electric | Federal Decree-Law 14 of 2024 (2024) | Named as personal transportation. No detailed Dubai rule confirmed | Not confirmed. Some sites set their own rules | Rules, age and permitted places. Whether an electric board is treated differently |
| Electric unicycle or Onewheel | No named source found | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Dubai’s cycle definitions refer to two or more wheels, so a one-wheel device does not appear to fit their wording (IonicRide analysis). Its legal status is unclear |
| Wheelchair or mobility aid | Federal Decree-Law 14 of 2024 (2024); RTA accessibility page (checked 2026) | Federal law names transporters for elderly people and people with disabilities. RTA describes wheelchair access at some facilities | No device-specific rule found for pavements, tracks or public transport | Speed, size or power limits, and any exemption. See the section below |
Start by naming your device correctly
A shop name can be misleading. Use these facts when you ask for advice:
- ☐ How many wheels does it have?
- ☐ Do you stand or sit?
- ☐ Does it have pedals, a throttle, or both?
- ☐ What are the top speed, motor power and weight on its documents?
- ☐ What is its main purpose: sport, transport or a medical need?
The legal wording can create odd cases. For example, Resolution 13’s e-scooter wording refers to two or more wheels, an electric engine, standing and no seat. A hoverboard may seem to match those words, but we found no RTA statement that it counts. Do not assume this means you can get a permit or ride one on a scooter lane.
E-bikes, scooters and mopeds
These have fuller guides:
- E-scooter laws in Dubai
- Whether you need an e-bike licence
- Whether electric mopeds are legal in Dubai
- Whether Sur-Ron electric dirt bikes are legal
The seat matters. A seller can call a seated machine a “scooter”, but that does not make it an e-scooter under Dubai’s definition.
Wheelchairs and mobility aids
A wheelchair is a mobility need, so we looked at accessibility sources as well as cycle rules.
- The Dubai resolution’s list of cycles does not mention wheelchairs or mobility aids, and we did not find an exemption for people of determination in it.
- The federal law includes transporters for people with disabilities in personal transportation, and leaves their classification and users’ duties to executive regulations.
- RTA’s accessibility page mentions spacious lifts for wheelchairs and free seats for wheelchair users at rail facilities.
- The UAE government portal describes taxis with wheelchair lifts and wheelchair spaces on Dubai Ferry.
- A May 2026 Dubai Media Office release describes ramps for wheelchair users at public transport stations.
None of these sources set a size, speed or power limit for an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter. Ask RTA before a first journey with a large device, and ask about its size, weight and battery. RTA’s page lists its help line as 8009090. For product choices, see our electric wheelchair guide. A medical professional can advise on which device suits you.
How to check your device and location
- Write down the device facts from the checklist above, and find its documents.
- Name the exact place. “Dubai” is too broad. Note the track, park, road, community or station.
- Find out who runs it. It could be RTA, Dubai Municipality, a mall, a developer or an owners’ association.
- Read the signs and site rules. A sign at the site may be more specific than a general guide.
- Ask a clear question in writing. For example: “May I use this device, with these specifications, at this location? Which rule applies?”
- Keep the reply, and check again if the rule, device or location changes.
A shop selling a device does not show that you can ride it in public. Sold does not mean permitted.
FAQs
Do these rules apply across the UAE?
The federal law applies across the UAE, but Resolution 13 of 2022 and its bylaw are Dubai rules. Check local rules in other emirates.
If my device is not named, is it legal?
Not necessarily. It may also fall under another rule, or a site may ban it. Missing from one law is neither permission nor a ban.
Do I need an RTA permit for a hoverboard or skateboard?
We found no RTA page listing a permit for them. The Resolution requires permits for e-scooters and any other types RTA designates, so ask RTA.
Can I take these devices on the Metro?
RTA’s published scooter conditions cover e-scooters and do not answer this for other devices. Read our Metro guide, and ask RTA about any other device.
Bottom line
Pedal bikes, e-bikes and standing e-scooters have clear Dubai definitions. Most other devices have gaps. Do not fill those gaps with a seller’s claim or an old news story. Describe the device, name the place, and get an answer from whoever is responsible for it.
Related guides
- Are hoverboards legal in Dubai?
- Electric skateboard rules in Dubai
- Dubai rules for cyclists
- Mobility scooter or electric wheelchair?
By Alex at IonicRide. Sources checked 3 November 2026.
