UAE: Limited legal protection for non-compliant e-scooter and e-bike riders, experts warn

Dubai: Riders of personal mobility devices — including electric bicycles and scooters — have limited legal protection or insurance coverage if they are injured or killed due to their own negligence or failure to follow traffic laws, legal experts have warned.

The clarification follows growing concerns from motorists about their potential criminal liability in accidents involving non-compliant riders.

Legal specialists stressed that riders who ignore traffic regulations — particularly those operating on roads meant for motor vehicles — risk serious injury and legal complications. “These cases raise important questions of liability, especially when the rider is at fault,” said one legal expert. “Drivers are understandably concerned about accidents they may not be able to avoid.”

According to Ministry of Interior data, nine people were killed and 169 injured in 105 scooter- and e-bike-related accidents across the UAE in the past year. Many involved underage riders operating in unauthorised areas.

The UAE’s federal traffic law prohibits personal mobility device users from standing on roadways or crossing outside designated zones. Legal and insurance experts clarified that if an accident is caused by the rider’s violation, neither the driver nor their insurer bears any responsibility — even if the rider is injured or killed.

Insurance expert Bassam Adib Amin Chilmeran stated that if a legally insured vehicle is damaged by a negligent scooter rider, the insurer must cover repairs but may seek compensation from the rider or their legal guardian in cases of proven legal violations.

If a driver causes injury, insurance coverage applies — unless the vehicle is uninsured, in which case the driver is personally liable. Conversely, if the rider is at fault, the driver bears no legal or financial responsibility.

Legal advisor Dr. Yousif Al Sharif emphasised that riders under 16 are prohibited from operating scooters or e-bikes on public roads. Permits issued by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) are mandatory unless the user holds a valid driver’s licence. Violations — such as riding against traffic or in restricted zones — are considered serious offences.

Al Sharif added that e-scooters and e-bikes are not covered by liability insurance, and any damages they cause must be paid out-of-pocket by the rider or their guardian in the case of minors.

The Ministry of Interior has issued nationwide guidelines requiring riders to be adults qualified to operate such devices, use only designated paths, and follow all safety and traffic rules. Riders must also wear helmets, knee and elbow protection, and reflective vests — especially at night.

To improve safety, the Federal Traffic Council has launched an awareness campaign targeting e-scooter and e-bike users, highlighting the importance of compliance to protect all road users.