Enforcement of electric scooters and e-bikes has begun. In São Paulo, the CET (Traffic Engineering Company) started checkpoints on cycle paths on October 12 and 13, 2026, but the effect is spreading nationwide. For those riding in Maringá, it's time to review your equipment and know the laws that already apply here – because the rule is clear: stay within the limits, and you'll be fine.
Since January 1, 2026, Contran Resolution 996/2023 (National Traffic Council) has been in effect across Brazil. It defines electric scooters as low-speed mobility devices, with a factory speed limit of 32 km/h. Now cities are putting it into practice. And Maringá has had a municipal law since 2025 (Law 11.981/2025) regulating this. What changes is stricter enforcement, with integrated checkpoints between guards and police. If you want to keep riding without problems, understand what applies.
What is the 2026 e-scooter enforcement?
Enforcement effectively began in São Paulo on October 12, 2026, according to Folha and Valor Econômico (major Brazilian newspapers). Before that, there was an educational phase since August 28. Now, the CET is on cycle paths, checking speed, circulation areas, and whether the equipment has been tampered with.
Across the country, the pattern repeats: municipal guards + police in integrated checkpoints. The focus is catching those who modified the speed limiter (scooters over 32 km/h) and those who invade cycle paths with heavy mopeds. If a scooter exceeds 32 km/h, it becomes a moped – and without a driver's license (CNH), it will be seized.
Rules for electric scooters: where to ride?
The rules from São Paulo (published August 14, 2026) serve as a national reference. Electric scooters are prohibited on sidewalks and areas exclusively for pedestrians. They may only ride on streets with a speed limit of up to 40 km/h, and in those areas the maximum speed is 20 km/h. On cycle paths, bike lanes, and cycle routes, the limit is 20 km/h.
On a bike lane shared with pedestrians, the maximum is 6 km/h. On roads with speeds above 40 km/h, they are prohibited. Self-propelled vehicles with motors up to 1,000 W and factory speeds up to 32 km/h do not require a license plate, registration, or driver's license, but they must respect these limits.
In Maringá, Law 11.981/2025 already had similar rules: cycle paths up to 20 km/h, sidewalks up to 6 km/h, mandatory helmet, signaling equipment, and a bell. So, those who follow the municipal law are aligned with federal enforcement.
How does enforcement work in practice?
The checkpoints integrate municipal guards and police. First, they check if the scooter has its original speed limiter. If the equipment exceeds 32 km/h, it is reclassified as a moped. In that case, it requires a category A driver's license (CNH) – and those without one face fines and vehicle seizure (Estado de Minas, June 4, 2026).
Second: invasion of cycle paths by mopeds or heavy mini-vehicles. Enforcement also checks if you're riding on prohibited roads, such as avenues with speed limits over 40 km/h. In Maringá, the municipal guard can act similarly, applying local law.
What changes for scooter users in Maringá?
Maringá already had its own law since 2025, with limits of 20 km/h on cycle paths and 6 km/h on sidewalks. Now, with federal enforcement active, the city is likely to increase enforcement, as already seen in São Paulo. City halls are municipalizing the rules – what applies there tends to replicate here.
To avoid problems: keep your scooter with the factory limiter (32 km/h), ride on cycle paths, respect the 20 km/h limit, and wear a helmet. That's enough to stay legal. If you need a new scooter, choose one that already meets the standards.
How to avoid fines and seizure?
Besides respecting local limits, keep an eye on your equipment's condition. Preventive maintenance prevents issues with the throttle and limiter. Check the night signaling, bell, and speed indicator – all required by Municipal Law 11.981/2025.
If you modified your scooter's speed, revert to the original limiter.