Electric Scooters Gain Ground in the Middle East as Cities Push for Sustainable Mobility

Electric scooters are moving from novelty to mainstream in urban transport, driven by rising congestion, environmental concerns, and government-backed infrastructure initiatives. Across the globe, the micromobility market is expanding rapidly, valued at $41 billion in 2024 and expected to reach nearly $146 billion by 2034, according to Polaris Market Research. The Middle East is following a similar trajectory, with the sector projected to grow from $10.4 billion in 2024 to $25.1 billion by 2032, fueled by smart city projects, growing urban populations, and commuters seeking alternatives to car travel.

In Dubai, the number of electric scooter trips rose from 30 million in 2023 to 32.3 million in 2024, an 8.7% increase, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The city has expanded scooter zones across 21 districts, linking them with metro and bus networks in line with its vision of a “20-minute city,” where residents can reach most destinations without a car. Abu Dhabi now has over 1,200 kilometres of dedicated cycling paths, reflecting a wider regional push for alternative mobility.

A notable development in the sector is the partnership between EV LAB, the UAE’s first multi-brand electric mobility platform, and Pure Electric, a UK-based scooter manufacturer founded by Adam Norris, father of Formula 1 champion Lando Norris. In December 2025, the collaboration launched three new e-scooter models in the UAE: the Pure Air⁴, Pure x McLaren, and Pure Flex. The scooters feature advanced engineering, including stabilisation technology, powerful motors, and ranges of up to 50 kilometres, offering both safety and performance.

For EV LAB CEO Kevin Chalhoub, the initiative supports sustainability goals. “Consumers in the region are seeking smarter and greener ways to travel,” he said. E-scooters can reduce emissions by at least 120 grams of CO₂ per kilometre compared with traditional vehicles, with environmental benefits increasing as grids move toward renewable energy.

Pure Electric’s founder Adam Norris highlighted the importance of safety and reliability. Drawing on expertise from F1 engineers and designers, Pure scooters feature a forward-facing stance and patented steering stabilisation to improve stability and reduce wobble on uneven surfaces. Norris said the aim was to provide high-quality scooters that users could trust, in contrast to cheaper models that compromise on durability and performance.

Adoption is broadening beyond the young and tech-savvy. Both high-income professionals and older commuters are turning to scooters for short trips within cities, often replacing car or public transport use. Premium editions like the McLaren models have generated excitement among enthusiasts, while more accessible models such as the Pure Air appeal to everyday riders.

As urban centres in the Gulf and Europe increasingly restrict cars in city cores, electric scooters are emerging as a practical, zero-emission alternative for short-distance travel. The EV LAB-Pure Electric partnership represents a significant milestone in proving the viability of micromobility in challenging climates like Dubai, while contributing to the region’s broader transition to sustainable urban transport.

Pure Electric scooters, including the McLaren editions, are available at EV LAB’s Experience Centre in Dubai World Trade Centre and online.