Do Electric Scooters Need License Plates in 2026? What Changed in Brazil
The question every electric scooter user asks: do I need to register my scooter in 2026? The answer is no. Electric scooters with a maximum speed of up to 32 km/h (20 mph) do not require license plates, according to CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 (Brazil's National Traffic Council). But the regulations go beyond that. There are mandatory equipment requirements, circulation restrictions, and changes that every resident of Maringá (a city in Paraná state, southern Brazil) who uses electric micro-mobility needs to know.
This guide clarifies what actually changed, what is mandatory in Maringá, and how you can ride safely and legally in 2026.
Electric Scooters Don't Need License Plates (Yet)
CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 classifies electric scooters as low-speed mobility equipment. The technical speed limit is 32 km/h (20 mph), and within this range, there is no requirement for license plates or a driver's license.
If your scooter respects this speed limit, you can ride in the city without a plate. But pay attention: motorized scooters above 50 cc already require a Category A driver's license and may have different rules.
Mandatory Equipment in Maringá: What You Must Have
Maringá Municipal Law nº 11.981/2025 established equipment that every electric scooter must have:
- Helmet — not optional, it's the law
- Speed indicator — so you know your actual speed limit
- Bell or horn — audio warning for pedestrians
- Nighttime lighting — front and rear lights for riding at night
Riding without these items can result in fines. Patinep Store sells and installs these accessories from brands like Foston, Bee Green, and Panda.
Speed Restrictions by Location in Maringá
Just because your scooter can go 32 km/h doesn't mean you can ride at that speed everywhere. Maringá has established speed limits by road type:
- Bike lanes and bike paths: maximum 20 km/h (12 mph)
- Sidewalks, plazas, and parks: maximum 6 km/h (4 mph)
- Shared traffic roads: permitted only on roads with speed limits up to 40 km/h (25 mph)
- High-speed roads or busy streets: prohibited
This means most of your commute in Maringá will be at controlled speeds. Respect these limits — they exist for your safety and everyone around you.
Minimum Age and Required Documentation
To legally use an electric scooter in Maringá, you must be at least 16 years old. You don't need a driver's license (unless it's a motorized scooter above 50 cc). Documentation? None is mandatory for scooters, but it's good to carry your ID and proof of purchase in case of traffic stops.
If you're under 16 or want a minor to ride, the law does not permit it without adult supervision.
What Hasn't Changed (You Can Relax)
Many people think regulations get stricter every year. But some things remain the same:
- Scooters up to 32 km/h don't need license plates
- No driver's license is required for scooters in this speed range
- You don't pay circulation fees or specific municipal taxes for using a scooter
- Range and charging costs haven't changed (between 20 to 40 km per charge, costing R$ 0.10 to R$ 0.30 per full charge, approximately USD 0.02–0.06)
Regulations tend to standardize, not unnecessarily tighten.
Checklist: Is Your Scooter Legal in 2026?
Before hitting the road, check:
- ☑ Does your scooter have a maximum speed of 32 km/h or less?
- ☑ Are you 16 years old or older?
- ☑ Does your scooter have a helmet, speed indicator, bell, and nighttime lighting?
- ☑ Do you know the speed limits for different areas in Maringá?
If you checked all boxes, you're good to go!