Dubai commuters can once again bring e-scooters onto the Metro and tram — but only under a tighter set of RTA rules. On October 4, 2024, the Roads and Transport Authority announced that foldable electric scooters meeting specific size and condition requirements are now permitted inside Dubai Metro and tram carriages, reversing a ban that had been in force since March 2024.
Which E-Scooters Are Allowed on Dubai Metro
Not every scooter qualifies. The RTA stipulates that only e-scooters that are foldable, have no seat, and fall within dimensions of 120 cm x 70 cm x 40 cm with a weight not exceeding 20 kg may be brought aboard trains. Scooters with damaged batteries, modified parts, dual batteries, or those that fail to meet international battery standards are not permitted.
Rules Riders Must Follow Inside Stations and Carriages
Carrying an e-scooter on the Metro does not mean riding it. The RTA explicitly prohibits operating scooters inside stations, and riders must ensure their scooters do not obstruct doors, aisles, seats, or emergency equipment at any time.
Additional rules include:
- No charging of e-scooters at metro or tram stations - No wet or dirty scooters allowed on board - Scooters must be folded and switched off at all times on metro premises - Scooters must be placed in designated areas within carriages
Why the RTA Reversed the Ban
The RTA framed the updated policy as a move to "enhance commuter convenience as well as save their lives." The authority has been expanding multimodal transport options across Dubai, and the e-scooter allowance supports first- and last-mile connectivity for Metro users.
Separately, the RTA recently partnered with Swiftly to improve live bus arrival tracking, giving passengers more accurate travel time estimates across the network.
What the Rules Mean for Dubai Commuters
With these regulations in place, commuters who own qualifying foldable e-scooters can integrate them into their Metro journeys — folding up at the station entrance and unfolding again at their destination. The rules balance the flexibility of micro-mobility with the safety requirements of a high-capacity transit system.
