Electric Scooter Laws in Brazil 2026: Complete Guide
Electric scooter legislation in Brazil has evolved significantly over recent years, and 2026 finds owners and future riders with clearer rules—though they still vary by city. CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 established federal guidelines, while municipalities like Maringá (a city in Paraná State) add specific local laws. If you want to ride safely and legally, you need to understand both national regulations and the municipal rules where you live.
In this guide, we break down current legislation, explain the differences between kick scooters and motorized scooters, and show you exactly what you need to know to ride worry-free in Maringá and across Brazil.
What Defines an Electric Scooter Under Federal Law?
According to CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 (Brazil's National Traffic Council), kick scooters and electric scooters are classified as low-speed mobility equipment. The fundamental legal difference lies in the maximum speed of the device.
Conventional scooters and kick scooters (electric, up to 32 km/h) do not require a driver's license. However, motorized scooters with engines over 50 cc fall into a different category and require motorcycle license (Category A). This changes everything regarding legal responsibility and documentation.
Be clear: if your equipment has a technical limit of 32 km/h, you're in the safe legal category. Anything above that increases requirements significantly.
Maximum Speeds: What You Can Ride in Maringá?
Maringá Municipal Law No. 11.981/2025 establishes clear speed limits by road type:
- Bike lanes and cycle paths: maximum 20 km/h
- Sidewalks, plazas, and parks: maximum 6 km/h
- Shared traffic roads: permitted only on roads with speed limits up to 40 km/h
- High-speed or expressways: prohibited
This means you cannot simply ride at 32 km/h anywhere. Municipal regulations are more restrictive and take precedence in your daily riding. In Maringá, bike lanes are your best option—there you have up to 20 km/h as your legal limit.
Required Equipment: What Your Scooter Must Have
Both federal and municipal laws require your electric scooter to have:
- Speed indicator—you need real-time speed display
- Bell or horn—to alert pedestrians and other users
- Night lighting (front light, rear light, and reflectors)
- Mandatory helmet—for the rider, in all circumstances
If your scooter lacks these features, you're operating illegally. At Patinep Store, all models from Foston, Bee Green, and Panda brands come with certified safety equipment—and we have our own technical service in Maringá for maintenance and adjustments.
Age Requirements and Insurance
The minimum age to operate an electric kick scooter or scooter up to 32 km/h is 16 years old, without needing adult supervision. Anyone under 16 requires legal guardian supervision.
Regarding insurance, federal legislation doesn't mandate it, but it's highly recommended—especially if you use your scooter frequently on shared roads. Some condominiums and cities may also require proof of coverage. Check with your insurance provider about specific micro-mobility equipment coverage.
Legal Differences: Kick Scooter vs. Motorized Scooter
This distinction confuses most users:
- Kick scooter/Electric scooter up to 32 km/h: no driver's license required, no vehicle registration, follows low-speed mobility rules
- Motorized scooter over 50 cc: requires Category A license, vehicle registration, full compliance with automotive regulations
The market's mainstream models are all in the first category. If you buy from established retailers like Patinep Store, you'll receive equipment certified as compliant.