Electric scooters remain exempt from license plates, registration, vehicle taxes (IPVA), and a driver’s license when they qualify as self-propelled individual mobility equipment. In 2026, CONTRAN Resolution No. 996/2023 is fully in effect in Brazil, so the main precaution is checking the required equipment before riding.

The checklist includes a speed indicator or limiter, a bell, and front, rear, and side night visibility equipment integrated into the scooter. The indicator may be provided through a mobile app, as long as it performs this function.

In Maringá, riders must also follow Municipal Law No. 11.981/2025: helmets are mandatory, the limit is 20 km/h on bike paths and bike lanes, and 6 km/h on sidewalks, in squares, and in parks. On shared-use roads, riding is permitted only where the road speed limit is no more than 40 km/h.

Below, you will find what to check on your scooter, when the requirements change for motorized scooters, and how to avoid confusing an electric scooter with an electric bicycle or moped.

1. Check that the vehicle is actually an electric scooter

Electric scooters classified as self-propelled equipment remain exempt from license plates and a driver’s license in 2026. To qualify, they must comply with the technical limits established by CONTRAN Resolution No. 996/2023.

  • Rated power of up to 1,000 W;
  • Factory top speed of up to 32 km/h;
  • Width of up to 70 cm;
  • Wheelbase of up to 130 cm.

If the equipment exceeds these limits or is classified as a moped, the rules change. Check the technical specifications and, if you have any questions, ask a qualified service center for an assessment.

2. Required equipment checklist

Every electric scooter must have a speed indicator or limiter, a bell, and night visibility equipment. These items form the basis of enforcement under Article 3 of CONTRAN Resolution No. 996/2023.

  • Speed indicator or limiter: it may be integrated into the display or operate through a mobile app;
  • Bell: it must be installed and work properly;
  • Front night visibility equipment: check that it is present and working;
  • Rear night visibility equipment: it must be integrated into the equipment;
  • Side visibility equipment: it must also be part of the scooter assembly.

Before setting out, test the bell and lights. If any item is missing, damaged, or improvised, repair it before riding.

3. Riding rules in Maringá

In Maringá, the permitted speed depends on the location: up to 20 km/h on bike paths and bike lanes, and up to 6 km/h on sidewalks, in squares, and in parks.

Municipal Law No. 11.981/2025 also requires helmets and prohibits riding on expressways or roads with high speed limits. On shared-traffic roads, scooters may be ridden only when the road has a speed limit of no more than 40 km/h.

  • Wear a helmet on every trip;
  • Respect the 20 km/h limit on bike paths and bike lanes;
  • Slow down to no more than 6 km/h in pedestrian areas;
  • Do not enter expressways or roads outside the permitted conditions;
  • Keep all required equipment visible and working.

4. When are a license plate and driver’s license required?

Electric scooters that meet the limits for self-propelled equipment do not need registration, licensing, a license plate, a driver’s license, or IPVA, Brazil’s annual vehicle tax. The January 1, 2026 deadline for moped compliance did not change this rule for properly classified electric scooters.

Electric scooters or mopeds that have a factory top speed above 32 km/h or are classified as mopeds because their power exceeds 1,000 W require registration, a license plate, licensing, a driver’s license or ACC, and a helmet.

For motorized scooters above 50 cc, the required license is a Category A Brazilian driver’s license. Riding an unregistered moped since January 1, 2026 may result in a fine of R$