E-scooter crackdown: 6 cities restrict rentals as Dubai tightens rules

E-scooters offer an affordable, convenient way to get around, but safety worries have led several cities to ban or tighten rules on them. Dubai has stepped up enforcement against unsafe riding, Gulf News reported. Cities from Paris to Toronto have acted over accidents, reckless riding and scooters blocking pedestrian paths.

Which cities have banned or restricted e-scooters?

Six cities have acted: Paris, Madrid, Melbourne, Toronto, Copenhagen and Brussels. Most targeted shared rental services and left privately owned scooters alone. Toronto is the exception, prohibiting e-scooters in public spaces, including private ones. Brussels plans its rental ban for January 1, 2027.

Why did Paris ban shared e-scooters?

Paris ended shared rental e-scooter services in September 2023 after a public vote. It became one of the most prominent cities to remove the services from its streets.

Supporters of shared scooters argued that they could reduce car journeys, pollution and pressure on public transport. Concerns about safety, improper parking and conflicts with pedestrians fueled opposition. The decision did not cover privately owned scooters.

What happened in Madrid, Melbourne and Copenhagen?

Madrid moved to end app-based rentals in 2024. Authorities found operators had failed to meet rules on where customers could ride and park. Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida said the licenses of Lime, Dott and Tier Mobility would be canceled, with no new ones planned. The move targeted rental services, not private scooters.

Melbourne’s city council voted in August 2024 to end its shared e-scooter contracts. Complaints cited unsafe riding and scooters blocking footpaths. Councilors weighed affordability and environmental benefits against concerns about pedestrian access and operator compliance. Private scooters were not banned.

Copenhagen temporarily banned rental scooters in 2020. They returned in 2021 under tighter rules, including parking limits in the historic center and penalties for improper parking.

Why are e-scooters banned in Toronto?

Toronto prohibits e-scooters on public roads, pavements and other public spaces, including privately owned devices. The city says injuries involving e-scooters are rising, and many need urgent medical treatment.

Authorities have kept a precautionary approach, citing rider and pedestrian safety.

When will Brussels ban shared e-scooters?

The Brussels-Capital Region plans to ban shared rental e-scooters from January 1, 2027. The regional government approved the decision on June 11, 2026, amid concerns about accidents and scooters blocking public spaces.

Authorities reported 666 e-scooter injuries in 2025, up 26 per cent from the previous year. The ban does not cover private scooters.

How does Dubai regulate e-scooters?

Dubai permits e-scooters on designated routes under rules set by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Riders must be at least 16 years old, wear a helmet and reflective clothing, and stay under 20 km/h. Riding is banned on pedestrian pavements and on roads where e-scooters are not permitted. Riders also need an RTA permit unless they hold a qualifying driving license.

On May 1, 2026, the RTA and Dubai Police launched a Personal Mobility Monitoring Unit. It monitors violations such as speeding, reckless riding and failure to meet safety requirements.

In a recent campaign in the Gold Souk area, officers seized 408 electric scooters, e-bikes and bicycles. Violators face fines and possible confiscation.

Are e-scooters banned elsewhere in the UAE?

Rules vary across the emirates. Ajman Police announced a ban on electric scooters and similar two-wheeled vehicles on public roads in 2025. The police cited traffic violations and accident concerns.

Abu Dhabi has not banned e-scooters, but limits them to designated areas. They are allowed on internal roads with speed limits below 40 km/h, shared pedestrian and cycling paths, and designated lanes. They are prohibited on highways, pedestrian-only walkways and jogging tracks. Bridges and tunnels without designated lanes are also off limits, as are public roads with speed limits of 60 km/h or above.

Serious e-scooter crashes in the UAE rose 97 per cent in 2025, according to an analysis of Ministry of Interior data by RoadSafetyUAE. That compares with a 45 per cent rise across the wider micro-mobility sector and 23 per cent across all vehicle categories.

Why does Dubai still allow e-scooters?

Unlike cities that removed rentals, Dubai continues to allow e-scooters for last-mile connectivity. Riders must use authorized routes, follow speed limits, wear required safety gear and comply with permit rules. Dubai Police and the RTA continue enforcement operations.