Do electric scooters require a driver's license in 2026?

No, if it's self-propelled: up to 32 km/h from the factory, motor up to 1 kW, and width up to 70 cm. Above that, it becomes a moped and requires a category A license or ACC.

What happens if I unlock my scooter to go faster?

It stops being self-propelled and is treated as a moped. You need a license plate, RENAVAM, and a driver's license. Without these, the fine is R$ 293.47, with 7 points and possible impoundment.

What is the fine for a moped without a plate in 2026?

It's a very severe infraction: a fine of R$ 293.47, 7 points on your license, and the vehicle is impounded. If caught without registration, the penalty is the same.

Can I ride a scooter on the sidewalk in Maringá?

Under Municipal Law 11.981/2025, the maximum speed on sidewalks is 6 km/h. On bike lanes, the limit is 20 km/h. Riding fast on sidewalks can lead to a very severe fine of R$ 880.41 in some cases.

How do I know if my scooter is self-propelled or a moped?

Check if the factory maximum speed is 32 km/h and if the motor has at most 1 kW. If yes, it's self-propelled. If it's above those limits or has been unlocked, it's a moped.

Scooter Turns Into Moped Above 32 km/h? The 2026 Rules

Enforcement Changed in 2026 — and Now What?

Since January 1, 2026, CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 has been actively enforced on Brazilian streets. This directly affects anyone using an electric scooter in Maringá.

If your equipment is within the manufacturer's limits, nothing changes. But if it has been 'unlocked' or has a stronger motor, the law now treats it as a moped. And a moped without a license plate and driver's license results in a severe fine and impoundment.

The good news: the rule is clear, and you can get compliant without headaches. Here's what changed in practice.

What Is a Self-Propelled Vehicle Under the Law?

The law defines an electric scooter as a self-propelled device when it respects these limits:

Maximum power of 1 kW (1000 W)
Factory maximum speed of 32 km/h
Width up to 70 cm
Wheelbase up to 130 cm
One or more wheels (with or without self-balancing)

If your scooter meets all of this, it does not require a driver's license, plate, or registration. That simple.

In Maringá, Municipal Law No. 11.981/2025 also limits speed: 20 km/h on bike lanes and 6 km/h on sidewalks. Helmets are mandatory.

When Does a Scooter Become a Moped?

It stops being self-propelled and becomes an electric moped if it exceeds the above limits. The most common cases:

Scooter with a motor above 1 kW
Vehicle with a factory speed greater than 32 km/h
Any type of 'unlock' or removal of the speed limiter
Scooters with a seat and motors up to 4 kW

As of January 1, 2026, a moped requires: RENAVAM (national vehicle registry), license plate, annual registration, driver's license category A or ACC (Moped Driving Authorization), and a minimum age of 18.

In practice, anyone who unlocked their scooter to go 50 km/h is illegal. And the fine comes sooner than you think.

What Are the Penalties for an Irregular Moped?

The fines are steep, and enforcement is active. Here's what can happen:

Without a plate or registration: very severe infraction, fine of R$ 293.47 (approx. USD 60) + 7 points on your driver's license + vehicle impoundment
Without a helmet: very severe + suspension of driving rights
Riding on a sidewalk or bike lane where not authorized: very severe, fine of R$ 880.41 (approx. USD 180) + 7 points

Detran-SP (São Paulo State Traffic Department) is already an example of what's coming: between January and February 2026, there were 1,009 impoundments, 80% of them (773) solely for lack of registration.

In Maringá, enforcement is also keeping an eye out. It's not worth the risk.

Documents to Register Your Moped

If you want to legalize an electric moped, you'll need to gather these documents:

Vehicle invoice
Owner's CPF or CNPJ (individual or business tax ID)
Certificate of Adequacy to Traffic Legislation (CAT)
Specific brand/model/version code
Inspection report

The process is done with Detran, including registration with RENAVAM and annual licensing. It requires patience and, usually, specialized help.

What to Do With Your Scooter in 2026?

For the vast majority of users in Maringá, the recommendation is simple: keep your equipment original.

Factory scooters with a 32 km/h limit remain self-propelled and require no documentation. Just respect local traffic rules.

If you've already unlocked yours, the way forward is to reverse the unlock. That restores its legal classification as self-propelled and avoids headaches.

If you're unsure about your model's specifications, consult an expert. At Patinep Store, we help you identify whether your equipment is within the law.

Conclusion: Prevent, Don't Remedy

The 2026 rule is here to stay. Being informed and keeping your scooter original is the safest, most economical path. If you have questions, talk to a specialist before you ride.