What is the speed limit for electric scooters in 2026?
In 2026, there is no single limit in Brazil. CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 set a factory cap of 32 km/h but delegated decisions on where and at what speed to ride to municipal governments. The result is a patchwork of local rules.
A survey by the newspaper O Globo (April 2026) showed that cities like São Paulo and Curitiba already limit scooters to 20 km/h on bike lanes, while Rio de Janeiro set 25 km/h. In Maringá, Municipal Law 11.981/2025 applies.
How does the national rule (CONTRAN 996/2023) work?
CONTRAN defines electric scooters as low-speed mobility devices with a technical limit of 32 km/h. No driver's license is required for scooters up to this limit, and the minimum age is 16. However, CONTRAN does not specify where you can ride — that is left to municipalities, as per Article 6 of the resolution. In other words, each city can be more restrictive.
Speed limits in Maringá (Law 11.981/2025)
In Maringá, the rules are clear and stricter than the federal cap:
- Bike lanes and cycle tracks: maximum 20 km/h
- Sidewalks, squares, and parks: maximum 6 km/h
- Shared roads: only streets with a speed limit of up to 40 km/h
- Helmet: always mandatory
- Equipment: speedometer, bell, and nighttime lighting
Before riding out, check local signage — enforcement is active in the city.
Why does each city have a different limit?
The Federal Constitution (Art. 22, Item XI) states that classifying a vehicle (self-propelled or moped) is an exclusive federal responsibility. No city can change that. However, Article 9 of Resolution 996/2023 allows each municipality to define the roads and speeds. In practice, what we see in 2026:
- São Paulo and Curitiba: limit of 20 km/h on bike lanes
- Rio de Janeiro: 25 km/h, with a ban on bikes with throttles in certain areas
- Fortaleza: GPS-based control on shared scooters
What changes for residents of Maringá?
If you live in Maringá, the municipal law applies. The factory cap of 32 km/h exists, but in practice you must respect 20 km/h on bike lanes and 6 km/h on sidewalks. This means higher-speed scooters are not banned for sale — but usage must be adapted to the area. Always check the latest regulations before riding, as rules are changing quickly across Brazil.
How to stay updated and safe?
The advice is simple: always consult your local government or a mobility specialist. Municipal laws are evolving, and what applies in one city may not apply in the next. At Patinep Store, our team closely monitors the regulations and can advise on suitable models for Maringá. If you need help choosing a scooter that meets local rules, just get in touch.