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

No, not if it is a self-propelled vehicle with a motor rated up to 1,000 W, a top speed of up to 32 km/h (about 20 mph), width of up to 70 cm, and wheelbase of up to 130 cm. Above those limits, it is classified as a moped and requires an ACC learner's permit or a Category A driver's license.

Can I ride an electric scooter on the sidewalk?

Only if the municipality has authorized it, and the maximum speed is 6 km/h (about 4 mph). In Maringá, this rule applies to sidewalks, plazas, and parks; riding faster than that is a very serious traffic violation.

Is a helmet required for an electric scooter?

Yes. Under Maringá Municipal Law No. 11,981/2025, helmets are mandatory for electric scooter riders. For mopeds, helmets are also required nationwide in Brazil.

What are the fines for riding an electric scooter illegally?

Riding in a prohibited location costs R$ 880.41 (approximately USD 176) and adds 7 points to the driver's record. Riding a moped without a license is also a very serious violation, with a R$ 880.41 fine, 7 points, and vehicle retention. Riding a moped without registration or a license plate, or without a helmet, carries a R$ 293.47 fine (approximately USD 59).

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

Check the technical specifications. If the factory top speed is up to 32 km/h (about 20 mph), the motor is rated up to 1,000 W, the width is up to 70 cm, and the wheelbase is up to 130 cm, it is self-propelled. If the speed reaches 50 km/h (about 31 mph) or the motor exceeds 1,000 W, it is classified as a moped.

What Changed for Electric Scooters in 2026? See the Rules

No more grace period: electric scooter enforcement officially began in 2026

If you own an electric scooter or are thinking about buying one, there is one important thing to understand: since January 1, 2026, CONTRAN Resolution No. 996/2023 has been fully in effect throughout Brazil. This is not a new rule—but the compliance period has ended, and enforcement is now active.

In practice, this means that police officers and traffic agents are authorized to stop, ticket, and even impound vehicles that do not comply with the regulation. Here in Maringá, Municipal Law No. 11,981/2025 supplements these rules with specific limits for streets, bike paths, and sidewalks.

In this guide, you will learn what has actually changed, how to determine whether your vehicle requires a driver's license, where you can ride without being fined, and which items are mandatory. No legal jargon, no runaround.

What defines my scooter: self-propelled vehicle, moped, or motorcycle?

The first major change is that classification is now technical, not visual. In other words, what matters is the vehicle's technical specifications (owner's manual and invoice), not whether it looks like a scooter or a motorcycle.

Under CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023, there are three main categories:

Self-propelled vehicle (scooter, electric unicycle, electric skateboard): motor rated up to 1,000 W, factory top speed of up to 32 km/h (about 20 mph), width of up to 70 cm, and wheelbase of up to 130 cm. No driver's license or license plate is required (Article 12).
Electric bicycle: pedal-assist system, no throttle, motor rated up to 1,000 W, and top speed of up to 32 km/h (about 20 mph). A driver's license is also not required.
Electric moped: motor rated up to 4,000 W and top speed of up to 50 km/h (about 31 mph). Requires an ACC learner's permit or a Category A driver's license, RENAVAM registration, a license plate, and annual licensing.

Vehicles exceeding these specifications are treated as motorcycles, requiring a Category A driver's license and all procedures applicable to motor vehicles.

At our store, self-propelled models from Foston, Bee Green, Panda, and Goo Elétricos fall within the 1,000 W and 32 km/h limits—but always check the technical specifications for the specific model.

Where can I ride an electric scooter in Maringá?

Traffic rules follow a hierarchy based on Article 9 of CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023, supplemented by Municipal Law No. 11,981/2025. In summary:

Sidewalks, plazas, and parks: permitted only when authorized by the municipality, with a maximum speed of 6 km/h (about 4 mph).
Bike paths and bike lanes: the applicable limit is the one established for that route (in Maringá, a maximum of 20 km/h, or about 12 mph).
Shared-traffic roads: permitted only where the road's speed limit is up to 40 km/h (about 25 mph), while still respecting the vehicle's factory limit (up to 32 km/h, or about 20 mph).

Expressways and streets with higher speed limits (above 40 km/h, or about 25 mph) are completely off-limits to electric scooters and other self-propelled vehicles. The municipality establishes local rules, so pay close attention to signs in Maringá.

Which items must come installed from the factory?

It is not just the helmet that is mandatory (and it is required under Municipal Law No. 11,981/2025). Since 2023, the resolution has required vehicles to leave the factory with specific equipment—and in 2026, compliance will be checked.

Speed limiter or speed indicator
Bell
Nighttime visibility equipment (front and rear lights and side reflectors)

If you bought your scooter before this deadline and it is missing any of these items, you can install them separately. However, when purchasing a new model, confirm that it already comes fully equipped.

Fines: what happens if I do not follow the rules?

In 2026, enforcement is active and the fines can be substantial. These are the amounts established under Brazil's Traffic Code (CTB) and the CONTRAN resolution:

Riding on a sidewalk or bike path without authorization: a serious traffic violation, subject to a fine of R$ 880.41 (approximately USD 176) and 7 points on the driver's record.