Dubai Launches New Unit to Police E-Scooters and Bicycles

In a significant move to enhance road safety and regulate the surging popularity of personal mobility devices, Dubai has officially unveiled a dedicated Personal Mobility Monitoring Unit. Launched as a joint initiative between the Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the new unit is set to begin patrols on May 1, 2026, targeting cycling tracks, main roads, and designated soft mobility zones throughout the emirate.

The establishment of this specialized force comes in response to the rapid increase in e-scooter and bicycle usage across the city. Authorities emphasize that while the infrastructure for these devices has expanded, adherence to traffic regulations has not always kept pace. The unit's primary mandate is to monitor unsafe behaviors and strictly enforce existing rules, ensuring that the rise in green mobility does not compromise public safety.

Under the new enforcement regime, riders will be expected to comply with a strict set of guidelines. These include mandatory helmet and protective gear usage, adherence to speed limits, and the requirement to stay within designated lanes. The authorities have specifically flagged reckless riding and tandem riding on e-scooters as key targets for intervention. Violators face immediate consequences, including monetary fines and the potential impoundment of non-compliant devices.

The monitoring efforts will be concentrated in high-traffic areas known as hotspots. Patrols will intensify in popular locations such as Jumeirah Beach Track, Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, the Dubai Water Canal, and Business Bay. Residential districts, including Al Karama and Al Mankhool, will also see increased scrutiny to ensure safety extends beyond commercial and tourist zones. This targeted approach aligns with Executive Council Resolution No. (13) of 2022, which established the regulatory framework for cycles and e-scooters in the region.

Hussain Al Banna, highlighting the strategic vision behind the move, described the unit as a "qualitative step" in Dubai's long-term transport goals. Speaking on behalf of the RTA, he noted that the initiative builds upon the strong partnership between the RTA and Dubai Police. "This rollout comes within an integrated framework aimed at advancing safety and innovation," Al Banna stated. He further emphasized that the city's investment in a network of safe, dedicated tracks, combined with rigorous monitoring, positions Dubai as a global leader in smart and safe mobility systems.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei of the Dubai Police reinforced the necessity of the unit, framing it as a critical component of ongoing efforts to strengthen traffic discipline. "The unit will support efforts to achieve the highest levels of traffic safety by helping curb unsafe behaviours... and reinforce the responsibility of personal mobility users to comply with traffic laws," Al Mazrouei explained. He pointed out that the joint initiative reflects international best practices in traffic safety, aiming to enhance the overall well-being of both residents and visitors.

As the May 1 deadline approaches, authorities are urging all cyclists and e-scooter riders to familiarize themselves with the updated track rules and the full list of violations. Comprehensive details regarding obligations and penalties are available on the official RTA website. With this new unit in place, Dubai signals its commitment to creating a sustainable, orderly, and safe environment for its evolving mobility landscape.