Abu Dhabi Police have impounded 9,237 e-scooters during the first ten months of 2026, highlighting persistent safety concerns around personal mobility devices on the capital's roads and public spaces.
Authorities identified the most dangerous violations as riding without attention to surrounding traffic, failing to wear a helmet, and not using proper safety gear. In a statement, Abu Dhabi Police warned that such violations "increase the likelihood of traffic accidents that may result in serious injuries or deaths."
Under current regulations, e-scooters are banned outright from a number of areas, including walking and jogging tracks, sidewalks, certain roads, bridges and tunnels without dedicated lanes, and any location marked with prohibition signage. Riders caught breaching these rules face a fine of Dh500.
The surge in e-scooter use across the UAE in recent years, particularly among younger residents and tourists, has prompted police to tighten enforcement and monitoring. Traffic officials in Abu Dhabi are urging all residents and visitors to familiarise themselves with permitted zones and safety requirements before riding, both to protect themselves and others and to avoid substantial fines.
The crackdown forms part of a wider police strategy to reduce road accidents and improve safety standards for light mobility devices, which also includes ongoing monitoring of bicycles and other personal transport options across the emirate.