Do electric scooters need a driver's license (CNH) in 2026?

No, if the scooter is self-propelled (motor up to 1000W, speed up to 32 km/h, width up to 70 cm, wheelbase up to 130 cm). Mopeds exceeding these limits require a CNH category A or ACC.

Do electric scooters need a license plate and IPVA?

No, not for self-propelled scooters. The requirement for a plate, Renavam, and IPVA applies only to mopeds, which are treated like motorcycles.

What's the maximum speed for scooters in Maringá?

On bike lanes and cycle tracks, 20 km/h. On sidewalks, squares, and parks, 6 km/h. On shared roadways, only where the road limit is up to 40 km/h.

What happens if I ride a moped without registration?

It's a very serious infraction, resulting in a fine and vehicle seizure. Fines are covered under articles 187, 193, 230 (IV and V), and 244 of the Brazilian Traffic Code.

How do I know if my scooter is self-propelled or a moped?

Check the motor power, factory maximum speed, width, and wheelbase. If all values are within the resolution's limits, it's self-propelled.

Electric Scooter: Self-Propelled or Moped in 2026? CONTRAN Rules Explained

Since January 1, 2026, Brazil's CONTRAN Resolution No. 996/2023 (National Traffic Council) has been fully enforced. The adaptation period is over, and effective enforcement has begun. If you own or plan to buy an electric scooter, you need to know exactly which category it falls into: self-propelled personal mobility device or moped.

The distinction is objective, defined by numbers—not opinion. In this guide, you'll learn the technical limits, what's mandatory (driver's license, plate, IPVA) and how to ride legally in Maringá. Straight to the point.

What changed in 2026 with CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023?

The resolution, published on June 15, 2023, defined three categories for electric mobility vehicles. The adaptation period ended in December 2025, and enforcement is now active nationwide.

In practice, the classification changes: scooters within the limits remain exempt from a driver's license (CNH), plate, or IPVA (vehicle property tax). Mopeds, which exceed these limits, are now treated like motorcycles and require full registration.

Self-Propelled Scooter: Technical Limits and What Remains Unchanged

To be considered a self-propelled personal mobility device, the scooter must meet all of the following criteria:

Nominal motor power up to 1000W
Factory maximum speed up to 32 km/h
Width up to 70 cm
Wheelbase up to 130 cm

If your scooter fits these numbers, it does not require a CNH, license plate, Renavam registration (National Vehicle Registry), annual licensing, or IPVA, as per Article 134-A of the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) and Article 12 of the resolution. This applies for 2026 and beyond—the obligation only affects those exceeding the technical limits.

Moped: When a Scooter Becomes a Motorcycle and Requires License and Plate

If the vehicle has an electric motor up to 4 kW and a top speed of 50 km/h with an independent throttle, it is classified as a moped. In that case, the rules are different:

Registration with Renavam
License plate
Annual licensing
CNH category A or ACC (moped permit)
Helmet and other CTB-required equipment

Riding without this registration is a very serious infraction, resulting in a fine and vehicle seizure. Additionally, Article 14 of the resolution requires mopeds manufactured or imported before the rule to be added to Renavam by December 31, 2025. Those who missed this deadline are prohibited from riding.

Maringá's Local Law (Law 11.981/2025)

In Maringá, local regulations complement federal ones. On bike lanes and cycle tracks, the maximum speed is 20 km/h. On sidewalks, squares, and parks, the limit drops to 6 km/h. On shared roadways, riding is only allowed on streets with a speed limit of up to 40 km/h.

Helmet use is mandatory, as are a speed indicator, bell, and nighttime lighting. Riding on highways or high-speed roads is prohibited. Even if your scooter is self-propelled, you must respect local limits.

Misinformation: Scooters Will NOT Require License, Plate, or IPVA in 2026

There's a false rumor that all scooters will need a license, plate, and IPVA starting in 2026. That's not true. The requirement only applies to those exceeding the technical limits of the self-propelled category.

If your scooter has a motor up to 1000W, factory speed limit up to 32 km/h, width up to 70 cm, and wheelbase up to 130 cm, it remains a personal mobility device. Nothing changes for you, except more vigilant enforcement.

How to Check If Your Scooter Is Legal in Maringá

Check the device's label or the manufacturer's manual. The key data are: nominal motor power, factory maximum speed, width, and wheelbase. If all are within the limits, you're in the self-propelled category.

If any number exceeds those limits, the vehicle is a moped and needs full regularization.