What is mandatory for electric scooters in 2026?

According to CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023, you need a speed indicator (physical or app), a bell, and night signaling (front, rear, and side reflectors). Without these items, you can be fined.

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

No, for scooters up to 32 km/h and 1000W, a driver's license is not required. Above these limits, the vehicle is classified as a moped and requires a Category A license, helmet, and registration.

Does a phone speedometer count for the law?

Yes, apps that show real-time speed are accepted by the resolution. But the app must be visible during riding. A physical speedometer on the handlebar is safer to avoid fines.

What is the maximum permitted speed for electric scooters in Maringá?

On bike lanes and cycle tracks, the limit is 20 km/h. On sidewalks, squares, and parks, it's 6 km/h. On shared roads, only where the road limit is up to 40 km/h. Riding above that generates a fine.

Mandatory Equipment for Electric Scooters in 2026: Complete Guide

If you ride an electric scooter in Maringá or are thinking about buying one, you need to know CONTRAN Resolution No. 996/2023. It has been in effect since January 1, 2026, and defines exactly which equipment is mandatory. Ignoring this rule can result in a fine and even impoundment of the vehicle.

List of mandatory equipment

According to Article 3 of the resolution, any scooter up to 1000W and maximum speed of 32 km/h must have the following items:

Speed indicator — can be a physical speedometer or a phone app
Bell — mandatory and cheap to install
Night signaling — front light, rear light, and side reflectors

These items can be factory-installed or added later. What matters is that they work when you ride.

Speedometer can be an app? Understand the rule

The resolution allows replacing the physical speedometer with an app that shows real-time speed. But note: the app must be open and visible during use. If you get pulled over and your phone is in your pocket, you can be fined. To avoid headaches, a small external speedometer on the handlebar is more practical.

Maximum speed by type of road

Even with a scooter certified for 32 km/h, you cannot ride at that speed everywhere. The municipal law of Maringá (No. 11,981/2025) sets specific limits:

Bike lanes and cycle tracks: 20 km/h (maximum allowed speed)
Sidewalks, squares, and parks: 6 km/h
Shared roads: only where the road limit is up to 40 km/h

Riding on fast roads or streets with limits above 40 km/h is prohibited, even with a 32 km/h scooter.

Helmet and driver's license: when are they required?

Electric scooters up to 32 km/h do not require a driver's license (CNH) or helmet under federal law. However, a helmet is highly recommended for your safety. Scooters above 32 km/h or with motors above 4kW are considered mopeds and require a Category A license, helmet, and registration with the traffic authority.

How to know if your scooter is legalized?

Check three pieces of data in the manual or on the vehicle label: maximum power (up to 1000W), maximum speed (up to 32 km/h), and width (up to 70 cm). Brands like Foston, Bee Green, Panda, and Goo Elétricos sell certified models within these limits. If in doubt, check the invoice and manual before riding.

Fines and enforcement in 2026

Since April 2026, city governments in several capitals and the state of Minas Gerais have intensified enforcement. The most common violations are: riding on prohibited roads (Article 187 CTB), riding on sidewalks without authorization (Article 193), and scooters without mandatory equipment (Article 228). Fines range from R$ 130 (approx. USD 25) to R$ 880 (approx. USD 175), depending on severity.

In Maringá, enforcement started more leniently, but the trend is to follow the same path. Regularize your scooter now and avoid surprises.