CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023: What Changed for E-Scooters and Electric Scooters
CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 was a landmark moment for anyone using or considering an electric scooter in Brazil. It created a clear regulatory framework for micro-mobility equipment, defining what is permitted, what the maximum speed is, who can ride, and which equipment is mandatory. If you're thinking about entering this world or already ride in Maringá, you need to understand this resolution — because it directly affects your legal and physical safety.
The good news: electric scooters and e-scooters now have clear national rules. The important news: these rules were designed to protect you and everyone on the street. Let's break down this resolution piece by piece, because at Patinep Store we believe that knowledge is safety.
What is CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023?
CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 is the federal regulation that classifies electric scooters and e-scooters as low-speed mobility equipment. It was created to standardize rules across Brazil, because before this, each city had its own interpretation — which caused confusion and accidents.
The core objective: recognize scooters as legitimate vehicles in cities, but with responsibilities. It's not a document to ban them — it's to regulate them.
Maximum Speed: 32 km/h is the Technical Limit
The resolution establishes that the maximum speed for electric scooters and e-scooters is 32 km/h (about 20 mph). This is the technical limit of the equipment — meaning the limitation manufacturers must respect.
But pay attention: in Maringá (a city in the state of Paraná, Brazil), Municipal Law No. 11.981/2025 is even more restrictive. On bike lanes and protected cycling paths you're limited to 20 km/h (12 mph), and on sidewalks, plazas, and parks to 6 km/h (3.7 mph). This means you follow the speed limit of the specific location you're on, not just the federal resolution. Local safety comes first.
If you want to ride faster, stick to shared traffic lanes with limits up to 40 km/h — always respecting your equipment's speed indicator.
Driver's License: Do You Need One?
No. CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 makes this crystal clear: electric scooters do NOT require a driver's license. As long as the equipment has a maximum speed up to 32 km/h, anyone 16 years or older can ride without a license.
There's an important exception: if you're thinking about riding a motorized scooter with more than 50 cc, then yes, you need a Category A driver's license. But most electric scooters on the market fall below that threshold.
In short: the resolution democratizes micro-mobility. You don't need to be licensed with the traffic authority to ride a scooter — but you do need to be responsible.
Mandatory Equipment: What Your Scooter Must Have
According to CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 and confirmed by Maringá's Municipal Law, your electric scooter or e-scooter MUST have:
- Speed indicator — so you know in real-time the speed you're traveling
- Bell — to warn pedestrians
- Night signaling — front and rear lights, reflectors, or headlight
- Helmet mandatory — this is the most important safety rule
Many entry-level models on the market come with these items from the factory, but not all of them. When buying, ask. At Patinep Store we work with brands like Foston, Bee Green, and Panda that already include these as standard equipment — you won't need to hunt for accessories afterward.
Remember: city inspectors can fine riders without helmets or with inadequate signaling. It's not worth the risk.
Where You Can Ride Your Scooter in Maringá
CONTRAN Resolution is federal, but in Maringá, specific locations apply. You can ride on:
- Bike lanes and protected cycling paths — up to 20 km/h
- Shared streets and low-traffic roads — up to the local speed limit
- Plazas and parks — up to 6 km/h, as long as there's no prohibition sign
Where you cannot ride:
- Highways and expressways
- Areas explicitly marked as prohibited for scooters
- Sidewalks (except at pedestrian speed, i.e., 6 km/h)
The safest rule: if there's a bike lane, use it. If you're not sure about a specific location in Maringá, contact the city's traffic department or ask us — we know the local rules inside and out.
What About Parking and Stopping?
The resolution doesn't strictly regulate parking, but the spirit of the law is clear: don't leave your scooter in places that block pedestrian traffic or create obstacles. In Maringá, the municipal law recommends parking in designated areas or locations that don't interfere with foot traffic.
This is basic respect for the shared space — and also protects your scooter from theft or damage.
What About Insurance and Liability?
CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 does not require insurance for electric scooters. However, if you cause damage to a third party (pedestrian, car, etc.), you are civilly liable for repairs and medical expenses. Some homeowner's or auto insurance policies cover scooter liability — it's worth checking with your provider.
The bottom line: you ride at your own risk, but you're responsible for damages you cause. Ride safely.
Penalties: What Happens If You Don't Follow the Rules?
Maringá's municipal inspectors can issue fines for:
- Riding without a helmet: R$ 195.23 (approx. USD 39)
- Riding with defective equipment (broken lights, missing bell): R$ 130.16 (approx. USD 26)
- Exceeding speed limits in protected areas: R$ 130.16 (approx. USD 26)
- Riding in prohibited areas: R$ 195.23 (approx. USD 39)
These values are updated annually by the city. The point: fines are real and not insignificant. It's much cheaper to buy a helmet and maintain your equipment properly.
The Resolution and Your Safety: Why It Matters
CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 isn't bureaucratic red tape — it's born from real accidents and real needs. The mandatory helmet requirement, for example, reduces head injury by up to 70% according to traffic safety data. The speed limits protect you and pedestrians alike.
When you understand and follow the rules, you're not just staying legal — you're making your ride safer. That's why at Patinep Store we go beyond selling scooters. We educate.