Listen to this article with AI
What To Know
- Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority confirmed that the e-scooter riding permit application is now active on both the RTA Dubai application and the Dubai Now application.
- The update removes the need for service centre visits and puts the entire permit journey on a phone screen, from learning the rules to receiving final approval.
- The service, which had already been live on the RTA website, now runs directly through the RTA Dubai app and the Dubai Now app.
Dubai launches e-scooter permit access through RTA and Dubai Now apps
E-scooter riders in Dubai now have a faster way to stay legal, stay informed, and stay riding. The city’s Roads and Transport Authority has officially activated the e-scooter riding permit service inside its main digital platforms, making the process fully app-based for the first time. The update removes the need for service centre visits and puts the entire permit journey on a phone screen, from learning the rules to receiving final approval.
The service, which had already been live on the RTA website, now runs directly through the RTA Dubai app and the Dubai Now app. Riders can apply, study, test, and receive their permit digitally, all through official channels. The move supports Dubai’s wider push toward fully digital public services while tightening regulation around e-scooter use in public areas.
E-Scooter permits now live on official apps
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority confirmed that the e-scooter riding permit application is now active on both the RTA Dubai application and the Dubai Now application. This expands access beyond the RTA website and allows residents to complete the process without visiting any physical location.
The authority stated that the service supports easier access to government offerings and helps reduce time spent on administrative tasks. Riders can now choose the platform that fits them best, whether that means the website or either app, with the same process and outcome on all channels.
Once the application is completed and approved, the permit is issued electronically through RTA’s smart systems. Confirmation is sent by email and text message, making the permit easy to store and retrieve when needed.
What riders must complete before getting approved
To qualify for an e-scooter permit, applicants must complete an online theoretical test. The test covers usage rules, safety requirements, and practical riding fundamentals set by RTA. Training materials are provided digitally as part of the process, allowing riders to review traffic safety guidance before attempting the exam.
After passing the test, riders receive authorisation to use e-scooters in areas and streets designated by RTA. The permit is issued electronically, with no physical card required.
RTA confirmed that this service sits within a wider set of actions focused on regulating e-scooter use, improving traffic awareness, and protecting road users. Riders who fall outside exemption criteria must complete this process before operating e-scooters in authorised locations.
Rules, age limits, and permitted zones
Applicants must be at least 17 years old to apply for the permit. Riders who hold valid UAE driving licences or recognised international driving licences are exempt from the permit requirement.
E-scooter use is limited to specific locations approved by RTA. Permitted zones include Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah, and Palm Jumeirah. Riding is prohibited in areas such as Saih Al Salam, Al Qudra, and Al Meydan.
Penalties apply for violations. These include riding without a permit, using e-scooters outside approved zones, or failing to wear a helmet. RTA urged riders to follow all laws, regulations, and instructions linked to e-scooter operation to maintain public safety.
By placing the e-scooter permit process directly inside its main apps, Dubai has made compliance simpler while keeping firm rules in place. Riders now have a clear digital path to approval, with training, testing, and permits handled entirely online. As e-scooters continue to feature in daily transport routines, the updated system sets clear expectations for who can ride, where riding is allowed, and how safety rules apply across the city.
