Traffic in Maringá is changing. In a survey released in March 2026, Detran-PR (the state traffic authority) confirmed that the city has 179 officially registered small-displacement vehicles: 116 mopeds, 54 scooters, and 9 low-power motorcycles. But this number doesn't tell the whole story — electric scooters and e-bikes aren't included in these statistics because they don't require registration with traffic authorities.

Maringá leads inland Paraná state in registrations of small motorized vehicles, second only to Curitiba statewide. The choice for two-wheelers reflects a clear trend: faster, cheaper, and less polluting urban mobility. But not all two-wheelers follow the same rules — and this changes everything when you're buying.

In this post, Patinep Store explains the real numbers, the vehicle categories that exist in Maringá, and how to identify which category your vehicle falls into.

The Official Numbers: 179 Registrations in Maringá

The Detran-PR survey makes it clear: there are 179 small vehicles officially registered in the city. This registration is mandatory because these vehicles require a driver's license, license plates, and annual licensing.

  • 116 mopeds — automatic transmission, engines up to 50 cc, maximum speed 50 km/h (31 mph)
  • 54 scooters — similar to mopeds, with slightly different design
  • 9 electric motorcycles — low-power models, also registered

Electric scooters fall outside this count — they don't require registration because they comply with CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023, which classifies them as low-speed mobility equipment with a technical limit of 32 km/h (20 mph). There's no official count of how many circulate in Maringá because they don't need license plates.

Maringá Leads Inland Paraná Cities

With 33,605 motorcycles exempt from IPVA (a state vehicle tax, as of May 2026), Maringá shows that the two-wheeler investment is real. The state motorcycle fleet grew 20% in the first year after the IPVA exemption for bikes up to 170 cc.

The city already has the second-highest vehicle-to-resident ratio in Paraná — 0.77 vehicles per resident — and continues investing in infrastructure. The bike lanes built between 2018 and 2019 (like the 3.6 km stretch on Av. Dr. Gastão Vidigal) create space for e-bikes, which can have an auxiliary motor of up to 350 W and legally operate in these areas.

What's the Difference Between Mopeds, E-Scooters, and E-Bikes?

Confusion at purchase time is common. Each category follows different rules in Maringá and Brazil — and the right choice depends on your budget, whether you want to register the vehicle, and what licenses are required.

Moped (116 in Maringá)

  • Engine up to 50 cc, maximum speed 50 km/h (31 mph)
  • Requires Detran registration and driver's license category A or AB (as of 01/01/2026)
  • Required: helmet, speedometer, horn, nighttime signals
  • Can circulate on roads with speed limits up to 40 km/h
  • Higher initial cost, but proven durability

Electric Scooter (outside official statistics)

  • Maximum speed of 32 km/h (20 mph) — technical limit per CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023
  • No registration, license plates, or driver's license required
  • Required: helmet, speedometer, horn, nighttime signals
  • In Maringá, limited to 20 km/h (12 mph) on bike lanes and cycle paths; 6 km/h (3.7 mph) on sidewalks, plazas and parks (Municipal Law nº 11.981/2025)
  • Typical range of 20 to 40 km (12 to 25 miles) per charge; recharge cost between R$ 0.10 and R$ 0.30 (approx. USD 0.02–0.06)
  • Price range: R$ 1,800 to R$ 8,000 (approx. USD 360–1,600), depending on brand and performance

Electric Bike (auxiliary motor)

  • Motor up to 350 W, assists pedaling up to 25 km/h (15.5 mph)
  • No registration or driver's license required
  • Considered a bicycle under Brazilian law (Law 11.981/2025)
  • Can use all bike lanes and cycle paths in Maringá without speed restrictions
  • Recharge cost between R$ 0.15 and R$ 0.40 per full charge
  • Price range: R$ 2,500 to R$ 7,000 (approx. USD 500–1,400)