The new rules for electric scooters in 2026 have been in full effect since January 1st. The main change is the clear separation between electric bicycles, self-propelled equipment (the category for electric scooters), and mopeds.

In practice, scooters remain exempt from a driver's license, license plate, registration, and annual licensing as long as they meet the limits set by CONTRAN Resolution No. 996/2023: motor up to 1,000 W, factory top speed up to 32 km/h, width up to 70 cm, and wheelbase up to 130 cm.

If a model exceeds these limits—including by unlocking the speed limiter—it may be reclassified as a moped. In that case, an ACC (moped permit) or Category A driver's license, Renavam registration, license plate, and annual licensing become mandatory.

In Maringá, you must also comply with Municipal Law No. 11,981/2025, which sets speed limits, required equipment, and permitted riding areas. Here's how to buy and ride your scooter without surprises.

What changed for electric scooters in 2026?

Since January 1, 2026, CONTRAN Resolution No. 996/2023 has been fully in force to distinguish scooters, electric bicycles, and mopeds. The most important thing is to confirm which category your vehicle falls into.

An electric scooter is considered self-propelled equipment when it meets all of these limits:

  • Motor up to 1,000 W (1 kW);
  • Factory top speed up to 32 km/h;
  • Width up to 70 cm;
  • Wheelbase up to 130 cm;
  • Speed limiter installed at the factory.

Within this classification, no driver's license, plate, registration, or annual licensing is required. This applies to vehicles that keep their original features and stay within regulatory limits.

When does a scooter become a moped?

If a scooter exceeds the limits for self-propelled equipment, it may be automatically reclassified as a moped. This includes going over 32 km/h or having the limiter disabled.

The throttle also deserves attention. If the throttle's performance exceeds what's allowed for self-propelled equipment, the vehicle no longer fits that category.

To ride a moped, you'll need:

  • ACC (moped permit) or Category A driver's license;
  • Renavam registration;
  • License plate;
  • Annual licensing.

Riding a moped without registration or licensing is a severe infraction, with a fine of R$ 293.47 (approx. USD 55), 7 points on your license, and vehicle impoundment. Riding without a helmet can also lead to license suspension.

Where can you ride a scooter in Maringá?

In Maringá, scooters must follow the limits set by Municipal Law No. 11,981/2025, depending on where you ride. Your riding mode must adapt to bike lanes, sidewalks, or shared roads.

  • Bike lanes and bike paths: maximum speed of 20 km/h;
  • Sidewalks, squares, and parks: maximum speed of 6 km/h;
  • Shared traffic roads: only allowed when the road's speed limit is up to 40 km/h.

It's forbidden to ride on expressways or high-speed roads. Federal regulations also prohibit use on highways and expressways.

Self-propelled equipment cannot carry a passenger or ride with someone else. Wearing a helmet is mandatory in Maringá.

What equipment must a scooter have?

Scooters must come from the factory with an electronic speed limiter, a bell, and night signaling lights. These items help keep the equipment in the correct category and meet riding requirements.

Under Maringá's municipal law, these are mandatory:

  • Speed indicator;
  • Bell;
  • Night signaling lights.

Night signaling must be present on the front, rear, and side of the sc