Brazil's new electric bike rules came fully into effect nationwide on January 1, 2026. CONTRAN Resolution No. 996/2023 reorganizes the classification of e-bikes and establishes the equipment required for riding on public roads.
In practice, anyone who already uses an electric bike needs to check the bell, front, rear, and side nighttime lighting, left-side rearview mirror, electronic speed indicator or limiter, tires in good condition, and pedal lights. The requirement for pedal signaling deserves special attention during your inspection.
The good news is that an electric bike covered by the resolution continues to be treated like a conventional bicycle: it does not require a driver's license, license plate, registration, or licensing. To qualify, it must have an auxiliary motor of up to 1,000 W, operate only with pedal assist, and comply with the assisted-speed limit.
In Maringá, riders must also observe Municipal Law No. 11,981/2025, which establishes circulation rules, helmet requirements, and specific speed limits on bike paths, sidewalks, squares, parks, and shared-use roads.
1. What changed for electric bikes in 2026?
Since January 1, 2026, CONTRAN Resolution No. 996/2023 has applied in full to electric bikes throughout Brazil.
The main change for owners is the requirement for safety and identification equipment while riding. An electric bike must be equipped with:
- a bell;
- front, rear, and side nighttime lighting;
- pedal lighting;
- a left-side rearview mirror;
- an electronic speed indicator and/or limiter;
- tires that meet minimum safety standards.
The speed indicator may be replaced by an audible warning or a smartphone app, as allowed by the regulations.
2. When can an e-bike be used without a driver's license or plate?
An electric bike does not require a driver's license, license plate, registration, or licensing when it meets the technical criteria in CONTRAN Resolution No. 996/2023.
To be classified as a bicycle, it must have an auxiliary motor of up to 1,000 W, operate exclusively through pedal assist without a hand throttle, and provide assisted speeds of up to 32 km/h (about 20 mph). Walk-assist mode may reach up to 6 km/h (about 3.7 mph).
There is an exception for sporting use on highways or in authorized competitions, with assistance of up to 45 km/h (about 28 mph). This exception does not change the rules for everyday e-bike use.
3. When does an electric bike become a moped?
A motor above 1,000 W, a hand throttle, or assisted speeds above 32 km/h (about 20 mph) may reclassify the vehicle as a moped.
In this category, separate requirements apply, including registration, a license plate, and the appropriate driver's license. Checking the technical specifications before buying helps ensure that the vehicle matches its intended use.
It is also important to distinguish an electric bike from a motorized scooter above 50 cc. In that case, riding requires a Category A driver's license under the federal rules applicable to this type of vehicle.
4. What are the rules in Maringá?
In Maringá, electric bikes must comply with both federal regulations and Municipal Law No. 11,981/2025.
Wearing a helmet is mandatory. On bike paths and cycle lanes, the maximum speed is 20 km/h (about 12 mph); on sidewalks, in squares, and in parks, the limit is 6 km/h (about 3.7 mph).
On shared-traffic roads, riding is allowed only when the road's speed limit is no more than 40 km/h (about 25 mph). Riding on expressways or streets with higher speed limits is prohibited.
CONTRAN Resolution No. 996/2023 also establishes that riding an electric bike on an expressway or highway, outside a section with a shoulder or designated lanes, constitutes a traffic violation under Article 244, Paragraph 1, of Brazil's Traffic Code (CTB).
5. Checklist for inspecting your electric bike
Before riding, perform a quick check of the required equipment and the caract