Do I need a driver's license for an electric scooter in 2026?

No, not if your scooter has up to 1,000 W, a top speed of 32 km/h, a width of up to 70 cm, and a wheelbase of no more than 130 cm. Go beyond those limits and it is reclassified as a moped or motorcycle, which requires an ACC or a Category A license.

What is the fine for riding a scooter without a license?

Riding without the proper license is a very serious infraction, with a fine of R$ 880.41 (approx. USD 160), 7 demerit points on your record, and vehicle impoundment. This only applies if your scooter is classified as a moped or motorcycle.

Are scooter checks already active in Maringá?

Yes. Since January 1, 2026, traffic officers can stop riders to inspect the scooter's technical specifications, proof of purchase, and mandatory equipment. The federal resolution is now being fully enforced across the country.

Can I ride an electric scooter on the street in Maringá?

Yes, but only on streets with a posted speed limit of up to 40 km/h (25 mph). On sidewalks, squares, and in parks the limit is 6 km/h (4 mph); on bike lanes and cycle tracks, 20 km/h (12 mph). Helmets are required by local law.

E-Scooter Tech Specs: What 2026 Enforcement Checks Look For

Has electric scooter enforcement changed in 2026?

As of January 1, 2026, CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 is fully enforced throughout Brazil. The compliance deadline ended on December 31, 2025, and now traffic enforcement officers can pull over anyone riding an electric scooter to inspect the technical specifications, proof of purchase, and documentation.

In practice, the rules themselves didn't change from 2025 — what changed is that they are now actually enforced. If you ride an e-scooter in Maringá, you need your documents in order and your setup within the resolution's technical limits.

What are the 6 criteria that define a legal electric scooter?

CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 classifies an e-scooter as a "self-propelled individual mobility device" when it falls within all the limits below. Exceed any single one, and the vehicle automatically moves into a different category.

Maximum rated power: 1,000 W
Maximum factory speed: up to 32 km/h (20 mph)
Width: up to 28 in (70 cm)
Wheelbase (distance between axles): up to 51 in (130 cm)
Propulsion: 100% electric
Driver's license: not required for scooters within these limits

These criteria are defined in Article 12 and Article 134-A of the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB). A scooter that meets all of these is exempt from registration, licensing, and plating.

What happens if my scooter exceeds the spec sheet limits?

If your scooter exceeds 1,000 W of power or a factory speed above 32 km/h, it can no longer be treated as a personal mobility device. It is reclassified as either a moped (ciclomotor) or a motorcycle, depending on the numbers.

Moped: up to 4 kW and 50 km/h — requires an ACC (moped driver permit) or a Category A driver's license, along with registration and a license plate. Motorcycle: anything above those limits — requires a full Category A license, registration, and licensing.

Riding without the proper credentials is a very serious infraction (Article 162, item I of the CTB), carrying a fine of R$ 880.41 (approx. USD 160), 7 demerit points on your license, and vehicle impoundment.

What mandatory equipment do officers check for?

Article 3 of Resolution 996/2023 requires every electric scooter to have:

Bell or horn — to alert pedestrians
Speed indicator — either a physical speedometer or a smartphone app
Nighttime lighting — front, rear, and side lights

In Maringá, Municipal Law No. 11,981/2025 also requires a helmet and prohibits riding on expressways or any road with a posted speed limit above 40 km/h (25 mph).

How do I know if my scooter is street-legal?

Before heading out, check three numbers on the manufacturer's spec sheet: rated power, maximum factory speed, and width. Compare them with the resolution's thresholds.

If your model was sold as an urban commuter e-scooter, it is very likely within legal limits. But if you have made any modifications that bump up speed or power, your setup is no longer compliant.

What speed limits apply in Maringá in 2026?

Enforcement also targets speed and where you ride. In Maringá, Municipal Law 11,981/2025 sets out:

Bike lanes and cycle tracks: max 20 km/h (12 mph)
Sidewalks, squares, and parks: max 6 km/h (4 mph)
Shared-traffic roads: only where the speed limit is 40 km/h (25 mph) or less

Riding in a restricted zone results in a citation under Articles 187 and 193 of the CTB. In other words, even with a fully legal scooter, you still have to respect where and how fast you ride.