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

No, if they qualify as self-propelled personal mobility devices — up to 32 km/h, up to 1,000 W, up to 70 cm wide, and a wheelbase of 130 cm. Anything above that is a moped and requires a Category A license or ACC.

Are license plates mandatory for self-propelled scooters?

No. CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 confirms that self-propelled scooters remain without registration, licensing, or plate requirements. A plate is only required if the device is reclassified as a moped.

Can I ride a scooter on the sidewalk in Maringá?

Only if authorized by the traffic authority and always at up to 6 km/h. Without authorization, riding on the sidewalk is a very serious infraction (R$ 880.41 and 7 points). Prefer bike lanes.

What happens if my scooter goes over 32 km/h?

It stops being self-propelled and becomes a moped. That means you need a Category A license or ACC, a plate, a helmet, and registration. Riding without these can lead to fines and confiscation.

Self-propelled Scooters Still Don't Need License Plates in 2026; See What's Required

Self-propelled scooter without a license plate and without a driver's license — yes, that still applies in 2026

If you own a regular electric scooter — the kind with a top speed of 32 km/h — you can breathe a sigh of relief: self-propelled scooters remain without registration, licensing, or license plates in 2026, per CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 and article 134-A of the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB).

The confusion started because, as of January 1, 2026, mopeds (which are a different category) now require a driver's license and a plate. But your scooter, if it stays within the limits, is not a moped.

In Maringá, the Municipal Law 11.981/2025 also applies — it complements the federal rules. In other words, you don't need a plate or a driver's license, but you must meet safety and circulation requirements. Let's get straight to the point.

The exact limit to avoid being reclassified as a moped in 2026

The rule is clear: a self-propelled scooter must meet four technical limits simultaneously.

Nominal power: up to 1,000 W
Factory top speed: up to 32 km/h
Width: up to 70 cm
Wheelbase: up to 130 cm

If your scooter exceeds any of these limits — for example, a scooter that goes 40 km/h or has a 1,200 W motor — it is reclassified as a moped. Then everything changes: it requires a Category A driver's license or an ACC (Accreditation for Motorcycle Operation), a license plate, and a helmet.

When in doubt, check your model's specifications. Foston, Bee Green, Panda, and Goo Elétricos — brands we carry at Patinep Store — have models that are fully within the self-propelled limit.

Required equipment — what your scooter needs

Article 3 of CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 lists exactly what is required. Without these, you could be fined:

A speed indicator (can be via app or sound)
A bell
Nighttime lighting: front, rear, and side

Oh, and in Maringá, a helmet is mandatory to ride on any public road — no debate.

Also, keep your headlights and tail lights working. Even if enforcement isn't around the corner, lighting is what ensures you're seen. At our service center, we recalibrate and check all of this in 30–40 minutes.

Where to ride in Maringá — and speed limits

Municipal Law 11.981/2025 clearly defines the spaces. In practice, in Maringá:

Bike lanes and cycle paths: maximum 20 km/h
Sidewalks, squares, and parks: maximum 6 km/h — and only where permitted
Shared roads: only allowed where the road speed limit is up to 40 km/h (and there's no bike lane)

Prohibited on expressways and high-speed streets. If the road doesn't have the infrastructure, don't risk it.

In pedestrian areas, the general rule is up to 6 km/h — walking speed. No speeding on sidewalks even if you're in a hurry.

Fines you can face — updated amounts

Riding without permission on a sidewalk or bike lane is a very serious infraction: R$ 880.41 (approx. USD 160) and 7 points on your record.

Riding in a disallowed area (such as a 60 km/h road without infrastructure) is a medium infraction: R$ 130.16 (approx. USD 24) and 4 points.

In other words: the high fine isn't for riding without a plate (that doesn't exist). It's for riding where you're not allowed. Knowing the local rules is what prevents headaches — and we're here to help with that.

How to know if your scooter is legal

Check your equipment's manual: power, top speed, width, and wheelbase. If everything is within the limits, you're legal.

If you bought it second-hand and don't know its provenance, bring it to Patinep Store — we'll verify whether the model qualifies as self-propelled and make any necessary adjustments. In Maringá,