Inmetro begins study to certify electric scooter chargers
The National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro) announced in May 2026 that it is developing new safety and reliability rules for batteries and charging systems for electric vehicles. The initiative includes electric scooters and bicycles, and is led by the Conformity Assessment Directorate (Dconf) through a working group dedicated to electromobility. The WG works on two fronts: replacement lithium-ion batteries and charging/recharging systems, with studies expected to conclude by December 2026, according to the agency's Regulatory Agenda. There is still no mandatory certification — but Inmetro is already mapping what will need to be inspected, aiming at the daily safety of scooter riders.
Currently there is no compulsory charger certification
Unlike other electrical products, electric scooter chargers do not have an Inmetro conformity seal. Serious stores and manufacturers — such as Foston, Bee Green, Panda and Goo Elétricos — follow voluntary international standards, especially ABNT NBR IEC 62133 (safety for portable lithium batteries) and ABNT NBR IEC 60529 (IP protection degrees). In practice, this means consumers need to pay extra attention when choosing a new charger or replacement battery. Without a unified certification, the risk of using incompatible accessories is higher and can compromise the equipment's lifespan.
What ABNT NBR IEC 62133 and IP protection ensure
The ABNT NBR IEC 62133 standard establishes requirements for the construction and performance of portable lithium-ion batteries, including resistance to overload, short circuit and vibration. Meanwhile, ABNT NBR IEC 60529 classifies the degree of protection against dust and water (e.g., IP54, IP65). Although not mandatory, the brands we work with in Maringá — Foston, Bee Green, Panda and Goo Elétricos — choose components aligned with these standards. When the future Inmetro certification comes into effect, it should incorporate and expand upon these requirements, creating a single seal that simplifies consumer choice.
How to choose a safe charger today
While certification hasn't arrived, the criterion is technical. The first step is to check the output voltage: a charger for a 36 V battery must supply 42 V; for 48 V, the correct output is 54.6 V. Always use the current (in amperes, A) recommended by the manufacturer — a higher value can overheat, while a lower one prolongs charging too much. Prefer original chargers or parts approved by the authorized service center. Generic, so-called "universal" chargers rarely deliver the exact combination and can shorten the pack's useful life. In Maringá, Patinep Store keeps testers to check chargers and batteries, ensuring the set operates within specifications.
Battery and charger: a marriage that cannot fail
The lithium-ion battery of a scooter is a high-energy-density component. If the charger delivers voltage above what is supported, the internal protection (BMS) may cut off the supply, but repeated use of an improper charger degrades the cells. Typical range for electric scooters falls between 20 and 40 km per charge, and the charging cost in Maringá is low — between R$ 0.10 and R$ 0.30 (approx. USD 0.02 to USD 0.06) per full charge. Replacing the battery with a spare without checking compatibility with the original charger can wipe out those savings. That's why at Patinep Store we always recommend any replacement be done with technical support.
What changes when Inmetro certification arrives
The studies by the Inmetro working group are scheduled to finish by December 2026. After that stage, the agency should publish a public consultation and, later, an ordinance with mandatory requirements. The expectation is that the certification will cover both replacement batteries and