Let's get straight to the point: since January 1, 2026, every electric moped — that is, an electric scooter or e-moto with a motor up to 4 kW and a factory top speed of up to 50 km/h — must be registered with RENAVAM, plated, and licensed. If you haven't regularized by the end of 2025, you're breaking the law. Enforcement is already underway in several Brazilian cities, including specific traffic checkpoints.

The fine for being caught is R$ 293.47 (approximately USD 59), plus 7 points on your driver's license, vehicle retention, and towing to the Detran lot. In other words: financial loss, headaches, and your vehicle impounded until you sort out the paperwork. But don't panic — all is not lost. This guide explains exactly who needs to register, who is exempt (spoiler: your self-propelled scooter probably is), and how to become 100% legal in 2026.

So, what changed with CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023?

The resolution that reorganized the rules for mopeds, electric bikes, and scooters was published in 2023, but the enforcement rules for mopeds only truly took effect on January 1, 2026. That was the final deadline for existing vehicle owners to adapt. Those who didn't register are now riding illegally.

In one direct sentence: if your vehicle has a throttle and goes over 32 km/h from the factory, it's a moped and needs a plate, registration, and a license. If it's slower, it's likely considered self-propelled and remains free from registration.

Is your vehicle a moped or self-propelled? The difference that decides everything

The confusion here is enormous, and the difference is what separates a serious fine from trouble-free riding. Let's look at the official definitions under article 134-A of the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) and article 12 of Resolution 996/2023:

  • Electric moped: motor up to 4 kW, factory top speed up to 50 km/h. Requires RENAVAM, plate, annual licensing, and a category A or ACC driver's license.
  • Self-propelled (scooter, light scooter, hoverboard): power up to 1,000 W, top speed up to 32 km/h, width up to 70 cm, and wheelbase up to 130 cm. Exempt from registration, plate, and license under art. 134-A of the CTB.
  • Electric bicycle without throttle: still exempt from registration, as long as it has no throttle and responds only to pedal assist.

This distinction is crucial. In Maringá, most of the scooters we sell — and the models we carry in our store — qualify as self-propelled. That means you don't need a plate for them. But it's essential to check your model's specifications, because a single detail about power or speed can change the classification.

What happens if you get caught with an unregistered moped in 2026?

First, the fine amount: R$ 293.47 (around USD 59). This translates to 7 points on your license. It's a serious infraction, but that's not all. The vehicle is immediately retained, and if there's no qualified driver to move it or an owner with the proper documents, it goes to the Detran lot. From there, you'll only retrieve it after paying towing fees, daily storage fees, and presenting proof of registration.

In other words, the real cost is much higher than the R$ 293.47 fine. Towing and daily storage fees can multiply the damage. And in many municipalities, enforcement checkpoints were intensified starting in January 2026. It's not worth the risk.

Mandatory equipment: both mopeds and scooters need them

This is the part that catches almost everyone. Even if your vehicle is a self-propelled scooter (up to 32 km/h) and exempt from registration, it still requires mandatory equipment. Without them, you can also be fined. The items are:

  • Speed indicator (speedometer)
  • Bell
  • Front, rear, and side night signaling

For electric bicycles, also add: rearview mirror on the side