Can electric scooters ride on sidewalks in 2026?

No. In São Paulo, the ban began in August 2026. In Maringá, local law allows riding only in shared-use areas at a maximum of 6 km/h (4 mph); when in doubt, use bike paths or streets with speed limits of up to 40 km/h (25 mph).

What is the maximum electric scooter speed on a bike path?

The limit is 20 km/h (12 mph) in Maringá and under São Paulo's new regulations. In shared-use areas with pedestrians, the limit is 6 km/h (4 mph).

Do I need a driver's license to ride an electric scooter?

No, as long as the scooter's maximum speed is 32 km/h (20 mph) or less. Resolution 996/2023 does not require a CNH, Brazil's driver's license, but riders must be at least 16 years old and wear a helmet.

What happens if I ride too fast or ride on the sidewalk?

In São Paulo, fines will begin on October 12, 2026. In Maringá, enforcement is still primarily educational, but you may be held responsible if an accident occurs. The best approach is to follow the speed limits and use all required safety equipment.

Electric Scooters Prohibited on Sidewalks: New 2026 Rules

What changes in 2026 for electric scooter riders?

The short answer: sidewalks are no longer a safe place for electric scooters. CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 already gave municipalities the authority to regulate where these vehicles can operate. In 2026, those rules began taking effect in practice in cities such as São Paulo, and the trend is expected to reach cities across Brazil, including Maringá.

In practice, electric scooter riders must follow speed limits based on the type of road or path—and the most important rule is: never ride on the sidewalk (unless it is a shared-use area, and even then the limit is 6 km/h, or about 4 mph).

Electric scooters on sidewalks: why did the rule become stricter?

In 2026, new regulations—including one published by the São Paulo City Government on August 14, 2026—made it clear: electric scooters and standing self-propelled vehicles are prohibited on sidewalks and pedestrian-only areas. They may only be used on streets with speed limits of up to 40 km/h (25 mph), bike paths, bike lanes, and shared-use areas—always at reduced speeds.

This applies throughout Brazil because it is based on CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023, which classifies electric scooters as low-speed mobility equipment, with a maximum speed of 32 km/h (20 mph). Local regulations simply provide more detail about where and at what speed you may ride.

Allowed and prohibited speeds: a quick guide

Bike paths and bike lanes: up to 20 km/h (12 mph) in Maringá and São Paulo—the same rule applies in both cities.
Sidewalks, plazas, and parks: prohibited in São Paulo; in Maringá, Municipal Law No. 11.981/2025 allows riding only in shared-use areas, at no more than 6 km/h (4 mph).
Shared-traffic streets: only on streets with speed limits of up to 40 km/h (25 mph), and do not exceed 20 km/h (12 mph), following São Paulo guidance.
Expressways or roads with higher speed limits: completely prohibited.

In other words: the golden rule is to respect the road's speed limit and never enter the sidewalk. This applies both to recreational riders and to people who use electric scooters for daily transportation.

What is already in effect in Maringá—and what comes next

Maringá was a pioneer and already has Municipal Law No. 11.981/2025, which regulates electric scooters and e-bikes. It establishes exactly the same limits: 20 km/h (12 mph) on bike paths, 6 km/h (4 mph) on sidewalks and in plazas, and riding is allowed only on roads with speed limits of up to 40 km/h (25 mph).

As this trend spreads nationwide, enforcement is expected to become more active in mid-sized cities. Patinep Store recommends adopting these best practices now, even though effective ticketing may not yet be taking place in Maringá.

Required equipment and features: do not ride without them

Maringá law requires a helmet, speed indicator, bell, and nighttime visibility equipment, including a headlight and reflectors. When buying a scooter, choose models that already include these features from the factory—such as the Foston, Bee Green, and Panda scooters we sell here.

Another important point: Resolution 996/2023 does not require a driver's license (CNH, Brazil's driver's license) for electric scooters with a top speed of up to 32 km/h (20 mph), but the minimum age is 16 when riding without an accompanying adult. In the event of an accident, failure to follow the rules may result in civil and administrative consequences.

How to set your scooter to bike-lane mode (20 km/h)

Many electric scooters have selectable speed modes. Ideally, use the slowest mode in shared-use areas and the intermediate mode on bike paths. At our store, we offer free setup to limit the maximum speed to 20 km/h (12 mph), in accordance with the law.

If you already own a scooter, bring it to our service center and we will adjust it and explain how to switch modes safely. If you do not have one yet, check out our range of scooters with excellent battery range—20 to 40 km (12 to 25 miles) per charge—and prices starting at R$ 1,800 (approximately USD 360).

Frequently asked questions about the new rules

Can I ride an electric scooter on the sidewalk?

In São Paulo, it has been prohibited since August 28, 2026. In Maringá, the law allows it only in shared-use areas with pedestrians, at a maximum of 6 km/h (4 mph).