Do I need a license plate to ride an electric scooter in 2026?

No, as long as the scooter has a factory maximum speed of up to 32 km/h and power up to 1000 W. This is set out in CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023. Beyond that, it becomes a moped and requires a plate and driver's license.

What's the minimum age to ride a scooter without a driver's license?

The minimum age is 16 to ride unaccompanied. Minors under 16 need a responsible adult. This rule applies to scooters limited to 32 km/h.

Can I ride an electric scooter on the sidewalk in Maringá?

In Maringá, sidewalks, squares, and parks are allowed, but the maximum speed is 6 km/h. You must give priority to pedestrians and signal with the bell whenever approaching.

What happens if I increase the speed of my scooter?

If you unlock the 32 km/h limiter or modify the power, the scooter is considered a moped. This requires registration, a plate, and a category A driver's license. Additionally, you can be fined and have the device confiscated.

Is wearing a helmet mandatory on an electric scooter?

Yes, in Maringá wearing a helmet is mandatory under Municipal Law 11.981/2025. Even without a plate or license, a helmet is a safety item and subject to enforcement.

Electric Scooter Without Plate or License 2026: When It Applies

If you're thinking about buying an electric scooter or already own one, the first question that comes to mind is: do I need a license plate and a driver's license? In 2026, the answer for most urban scooters is still no – as long as the equipment stays within the limits set by CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 (Brazil's National Traffic Council). This applies to models that don't exceed 32 km/h and have a maximum power of 1000 W, as explained in Article 12 of the resolution and Article 134-A of the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB).

In other words: there's no need for registration, licensing, or a driver's license (CNH) for those who use scooters within these specifications. But beware: enforcement is getting stricter in 2026, especially in Maringá, where Municipal Law 11.981/2025 defines where and at what speed you can ride. In this post, we'll clarify everything based on official regulations, with no fine print.

What does CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 say about license plates and licenses?

Resolution 996/2023 classifies electric scooters as "self-propelled individual mobility equipment" when they meet the limits: nominal power up to 1000 W and a factory maximum speed of up to 32 km/h. In these cases, Article 12 exempts the vehicle from registration, licensing, and plate requirements.

Furthermore, Article 134-A of the Brazilian Traffic Code reinforces that a driver's license (CNH) is not required to operate these devices. This applies to "entry-level" scooters and even more powerful ones—as long as the original maximum speed does not exceed 32 km/h. In Maringá, this rule is applied on the city's roads and bike lanes.

Mandatory equipment for scooters in 2026: stricter enforcement

Being exempt from a license plate doesn't mean you can ride any way you want. Article 3 of Resolution 996 requires three essential items: a bell, a speed indicator, and nighttime signaling (front, rear, and side). These items are mandatory, and enforcement in Maringá already checks for them routinely.

The speed indicator can be electronic, via a smartphone app, or an audible alert. The bell must be functional, and the nighttime signaling must be built into the scooter or added by you. Without these items, you're subject to a fine, even without a plate.

Where can you ride a scooter without a plate or license in Maringá?

Municipal Law 11.981/2025 sets clear rules. On bike lanes and cycle paths, the maximum speed is 20 km/h. On sidewalks, squares, and parks, the limit drops to 6 km/h—always yielding to pedestrians. Shared traffic roads are only allowed if the road's speed limit is up to 40 km/h.

Never ride on high-speed roads or highways. A scooter without a plate can only be ridden in locations authorized by the municipality. In Maringá, the bike lane on Av. Brasil and the green corridors are great spots for daily use, always within these limits.

What if you modify your scooter's speed or power?

If you unlock the 32 km/h speed limiter or increase the original power, the device is no longer considered "individual mobility equipment" and is reclassified as a moped. In that case, the requirements change: registration, a license plate, and a category A driver's license (CNH) become mandatory.

This reclassification is provided for in Resolution 996 and the CTB. In other words: tampering with your scooter to go faster strips away your legal protection. In Maringá, enforcement already fines this type of modification. The advice is to keep the device original and within factory specifications.

How to choose a scooter that already follows these rules?

Most scooters sold in Brazil respect the 32 km/h limit and 1000 W power. At Patinep Store, all models from Foston, Bee Green, Panda, and Goo Elétricos already come from the factory within these regulations. You don't need to worry about a plate or license—just make sure the maximum speed is limited and the mandatory equipment is present.

Before buying, check the technical specifications to confirm the maximum speed and power, and verify that all required items (bell, speed indicator, and nighttime signaling) are included.