Electric scooter in São Paulo: what does the law say?

In São Paulo, electric scooters are treated as individual mobility devices, following CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023. That means: a maximum speed of 32 km/h, no driver's license required for models up to that limit, and a minimum age of 16.

The city doesn't have a specific law like Maringá does (Municipal Law 11.981/2025), so federal rules apply. But CET (the city's traffic authority) advises: always use bike lanes and cycle paths, respect signage, and avoid sidewalks and bus corridors. In practice, common sense is your best guide.

Speed limit in São Paulo: 20 km/h on bike lanes

On São Paulo's bike lanes and cycle paths, the recommended speed is up to 20 km/h. This applies to scooters and bicycles — and it's the same limit adopted in Maringá by local law.

On sidewalks and in squares, the ideal is to slow down to 6 km/h, like a pedestrian. On shared roads, only ride if the street has a speed limit of up to 40 km/h. Never take highways, expressways, or high-speed avenues.

Helmet and required equipment

A helmet is mandatory for electric scooters in São Paulo, just as it is in Maringá. No way around it: always wear one, even on short trips.

Besides the helmet, the scooter must have a speed indicator, a bell, and nighttime signaling (front and rear lights). These items come standard on most models sold in Brazil, but check before you buy.

Range and charging: what to expect from a scooter in the city

In São Paulo, with hills and heavy traffic, real-world range is between 20 and 40 km per charge, depending on the model and rider weight. That covers most urban commutes of up to 15 km per trip.

Charging costs are low: between R$ 0.10 and R$ 0.30 per full charge (approx. USD 0.02–0.06) if you charge at home. Charging time ranges from 3 to 6 hours, ideal for charging overnight and using the next day.

Buying a scooter for São Paulo: what to consider

If you live in São Paulo, prioritize models with at least 30 km of range and tires that can handle potholed streets. Scooters with suspension greatly improve comfort but increase the price.

In the R$ 1,800 to R$ 3,500 range (approx. USD 360–700), you'll find entry-level scooters from Foston and Bee Green that handle urban use well. Above R$ 4,000 (approx. USD 800), premium models offer more power and larger batteries. And if you're in Maringá (PR), Patinep Store has its own service center and original parts — but what really matters is choosing a model with good support in your city.