Dubai e-scooter Accidents: What UAE Law Says About Liability When Riders Break Traffic Rules

The growing use of e-scooters across Dubai has also led to a rise in near misses and road accidents involving motorists and riders on internal roads and residential streets. Under UAE law, both motorists and e-scooter users are required to follow traffic regulations and exercise caution to avoid endangering other road users. However, liability in an accident is determined based on the specific circumstances of each incident and the findings of Dubai Police.

The UAE’s updated traffic regulations place a clear legal obligation on all road users to comply with traffic rules, observe road signs, and avoid behaviour that could threaten public safety or damage property. These provisions are contained in Article 4 of the Federal Decree Law No. 14 of 2024 Concerning Traffic Regulation, which states that every road user must comply with traffic signs, rules, and directions issued by the competent authorities.

In addition to the general traffic law, Dubai has specific regulations governing the use of bicycles and e-scooters. These are outlined in Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2022 Regulating the Use of Cycles in the Emirate of Dubai. The rules require e-scooter riders to use designated lanes where available, comply with traffic signs and road directions, and operate their vehicles in a safe and responsible manner.

The regulations further prohibit conduct that may endanger the rider or others. Riders are expected to maintain proper control of the scooter, avoid reckless movement such as zigzag riding, and use e-scooters only in areas approved by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Riding against the direction of traffic may therefore amount to a direct violation of Dubai’s traffic and safety regulations.

If an accident occurs between a motor vehicle and an e-scooter, the matter is typically referred to Dubai Police, which will investigate the circumstances of the collision and prepare an official police report. The report generally plays a crucial role in determining fault for insurance claims, compensation disputes, and any civil or criminal proceedings that may follow.

In cases where a motorist is found to have complied with traffic laws and exercised reasonable care, while the e-scooter rider violated traffic rules by travelling against traffic or riding recklessly, the rider may be held wholly or partially liable for the accident. However, liability is not determined automatically and depends on several factors assessed during the investigation.

Dubai Police will usually consider evidence such as vehicle speed, adherence to traffic regulations, attentiveness of both parties, road conditions, and the actions of the motorist and e-scooter rider immediately before the incident. Depending on the seriousness of the accident and the injuries or damages involved, additional legal consequences may also arise.

The law therefore makes it clear that e-scooter riders enjoy the right to use approved public spaces and tracks, but they are equally responsible for complying with traffic regulations designed to protect all road users.

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