My scooter has 1000W and goes 32 km/h, do I need a license plate?

No, as long as it's exactly at those limits and hasn't been modified. It remains a personal mobility device, exempt from registration and driver's license.

Can I unlock my scooter to go faster and still not need a plate?

No. If the device exceeds 32 km/h or 1,000 W after unlocking, it is classified as a moped. Enforcement can check the vehicle's technical capacity.

What do I need to legalize a moped scooter?

You need to register it with Detran, get it licensed, have a plate (code 040400), and hold a category A or ACC driver's license. Wearing a helmet is also mandatory.

Is it allowed to ride a moped on a cycle path?

No, a moped is not a bicycle. It must be ridden on the roadway, respecting speed limits and traffic laws. Cycle paths are for bicycles and personal mobility devices.

Electric Scooter Registration as Moped: What Changed in 2026 in Brazil

What Actually Changed in 2026 for Electric Scooter Users

If you own an electric scooter in Maringá (a city in southern Brazil, in the state of Paraná), you need to know about a change that took effect on January 1, 2026. The CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023, which sets the limits for personal mobility devices, is now fully in force.

In practice, any electric scooter or e-scooter that came from the factory with a motor over 1,000 W or a top speed above 32 km/h (approximately 20 mph) is now classified as a moped. And, since January 1, 2026, these vehicles can no longer legally circulate on public roads unless they are registered with the Brazilian traffic authority (Detran).

This doesn't mean you'll lose your scooter. It means that if it fits the moped category, you must follow the same rules as a motorcycle: license plate, annual licensing, and a driver's license category A or ACC (Moped Riding Permit).

How to Know if My Scooter is a Moped or Still a Personal Mobility Device

The rule is simple: a scooter that stays within the legal limits continues to be exempt from registration, plate, and driver's license, according to article 134-A of the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) and article 12 of CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023.

The limits are:

Motor up to 1,000 W (1 kW) — check the motor label
Factory top speed up to 32 km/h — unlocking later doesn't count; what matters is the original technical limitation
Width up to 70 cm and wheelbase up to 130 cm

If your scooter meets all three of these requirements, it is a self-propelled personal mobility device. You can ride it on cycle paths and bike lanes at up to 20 km/h (about 12 mph), on sidewalks at 6 km/h, and on roads with a speed limit up to 40 km/h, always wearing a helmet.

If it doesn't meet these, it's now a moped. And there's no way around it: you need a plate, licensing, and a category A or ACC driver's license.

What to Do if Your Scooter is Reclassified as a Moped

If your scooter has a motor over 1,000 W or a factory speed above 32 km/h, you have two options:

Register it as a moped: register with Detran (code 040400), get it licensed, obtain a category A or ACC driver's license, and wear a helmet at all times. After that, you can ride on roads permitted for mopeds.
Swap it for a model within the limit: if you want to avoid the bureaucracy, Patinep Store has options that comply with the law—like some Foston and Bee Green models that stay under 1,000 W and 32 km/h. This way, you keep the freedom of a scooter without a plate.

If you're unsure, bring your scooter to Patinep Store's technical service. We'll check the motor power and factory speed, and give you no-obligation advice.

Fines and Penalties: What You Risk If You Don't Register

Since January 1, 2026, enforcement has become stricter. If you're caught with an unregistered moped, the fines are heavy:

Riding on sidewalks or cycle paths without authorization: severe infraction, R$ 880.41 (approx. USD 160) and 7 points on your license (article 193 CTB)
Driving a vehicle without a plate: R$ 293.47 (approx. USD 55) and 7 points (article 230, IV)
Vehicle not registered/licensed: R$ 293.47 and 7 points (article 230, V)
Riding a moped without a helmet (or carrying a passenger without one): R$ 293.47, 7 points, and driver's license suspension (article 244)
Riding on highways/expressways without a proper shoulder: severe infraction (article 244 §2º)

In short, the total fine amount can exceed the price of an entry-level scooter. It's better to resolve this proactively.

What About Maringá? Local Regulations

Municipal Law 11.981/2025 (passed in Maringá) already defines specific rules for scooters in the city: a maximum speed of 20 km/h on cycle paths and bike lanes, 6 km/h on sidewalks, mandatory helmet, and required items like a bell and nighttime lighting.

With the federal regulation now in effect, the guidance for scooters that are not classified as mopeds is to follow these local rules.

As for mopeds (scooters above the limits), they must follow national traffic laws, not local scooter rules.

If you have any doubts, come to Patinep Store and let us help you figure out the best path—whether it's registering your scooter or swapping it for a legal, hassle-free model.