Abu Dhabi Police seize over 9,200 e‑scooters in ten‑month safety crackdown

Enforcement action and seizure numbers

Police in Abu Dhabi have confiscated 9,237 electric scooters during the last ten months across the emirate. The seizures are part of a targeted crackdown on riders who break the rules that govern e‑scooter use on public roads, between vehicles and in areas where the devices are prohibited.

Official statements on risks

In a Facebook post, the police said they had clamped down on “electric scooters violating traffic rules and regulations during 2026, as a result of their use on public roads, between vehicles, and on paths not designated for them, posing a danger to the safety of their users and road users”.

On Sunday they added: “One of the most dangerous behaviours among electric scooter drivers is driving without paying attention to traffic, not wearing a helmet, and not wearing safety gear, which increases the likelihood of traffic accidents that may result in serious injuries or deaths”.

Accident trends and public perception

Earlier this year The National reported that Ministry of Interior data showed a 97 per cent rise in major e‑scooter accidents in 2025 compared with the previous year, increasing from 61 incidents to 120.

At the same time, Al Wathba Insurance and RoadSafetyUAE released a perception study that found 93 per cent of UAE residents have seen e‑scooter riders behaving unsafely or recklessly, while 90 per cent say they personally feel unsafe because of how the devices are used.

Permitted and prohibited riding zones

The Integrated Transport Centre in Abu Dhabi specifies where e‑scooters may be ridden. Allowed areas are internal roads with speed limits under 40 kph, lanes shared by pedestrians and cyclists, and cycle lanes designated for cyclists and e‑scooter riders.

Riding is not permitted on highways with a speed limit of 60 kph or more, on public roads and motorways, or on pedestrian lanes.