Electric moped rules changed for good in Brazil on January 1, 2026. If you have an e-scooter or electric motorcycle that exceeds 32 km/h or has a motor above 1,000 W, enforcement is now real, and you could face fines and impoundment.
In practice, anyone using these vehicles for work or commuting—especially in cities like Maringá—needs to understand the new classification: what was previously treated as a "toy" or "electric bicycle" is now a moped, requiring a license plate, registration, and driver's license.
This guide covers the official rules from CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023, which fully took effect in 2026, as well as Maringá's local regulations under Municipal Law 11.981/2025. Here you'll find exactly what to do to ride legally and avoid a R$ 293.47 fine (approx. USD 59) and vehicle retention.
What Actually Changed for Mopeds in 2026
As of January 1, 2026, the adaptation period for two- or three-wheeled vehicles with electric motors up to 4 kW and factory speed up to 50 km/h has ended. They are now officially mopeds and are subject to nationwide enforcement.
This means the rule applies to vehicles already in circulation before 2026. Those who didn't regularize by December 31, 2025, now face penalties.
Who Falls Under Electric Moped Rules?
The technical criteria are objective: motor with maximum power up to 4 kW and factory top speed up to 50 km/h. If the vehicle has a throttle (twist grip) and meets these limits, it's a moped.
Models like Foston, Bee Green, or Panda e-scooters with throttle acceleration and speeds above 32 km/h fall under the new rule.
Be careful: if the vehicle looks like a bicycle but has an independent throttle, it may be classified as a moped. The category depends on how the motor is activated, not the appearance.
What's Required to Ride a Moped Legally
To ride legally in 2026, you'll need:
- RENAVAM — National Registry of Motor Vehicles.
- License plate — standard Detran plate.
- Annual licensing — with fees and possible taxes.
- Category A driver's license or ACC — Moped Driving Permit.
- Helmet — mandatory for driver and passenger.
In addition to documentation, riding must be done on the road, preferably in the center of the right lane. Mopeds are prohibited on bike lanes, sidewalks, and high-speed roads, unless there's a shoulder or dedicated lane.
What About Maringá's Rules? What Law 11.981/2025 Says
Maringá's municipal regulation was already in effect and applies to micro-mobility devices in general, like e-scooters and e-bikes. For these low-speed devices (up to 32 km/h), the local law establishes:
- Maximum speed of 20 km/h on bike lanes and cycle lanes.
- Maximum speed of 6 km/h on sidewalks, squares, and parks.
- Helmet required.
- Mandatory equipment: speed indicator, bell, and night signaling.
Important: the Municipal Law refers to smaller devices that still don't require plates. If your vehicle falls into the moped category (above the limits), CONTRAN and Detran rules take precedence, with the urban traffic restrictions that apply to mopeds.
What Still Requires No License Plate or Driver's License in 2026?
Good news for those using low-speed e-scooters and e-bikes. These vehicles remain exempt from license plates, driver's licenses, and registration:
- Self-propelled scooters — up to 1000 W and 32 km/h, without independent throttle.
- Electric bicycles — pedal-assist up to 1000 W and 32 km/h, without independent throttle.
At Patinep Store in Maringá, the majority of scooters