São Paulo implements speed limits for electric bikes and scooters

Urban mobility in São Paulo is undergoing a significant shift as the use of electric bicycles and scooters has increased more than tenfold over the last three years. According to data from the NGO Ciclocidade and the Companhia de Engenharia de Tráfego (CET), trips using traditional bicycles fell by approximately 7.5%, dropping from 36,500 to 33,750. In contrast, motorized and self-propelled vehicle trips rose from 703 to 7,268 during the same period.

To manage this change and address conflicts in shared spaces, the São Paulo City Hall has issued an ordinance establishing speed limits. Starting August 28, electric bicycles, scooters, and self-propelled devices are limited to 20 km/h on bike lanes and cycle paths. On sidewalks or shared cycle lanes with pedestrians, the limit is reduced to 6 km/h. On streets without dedicated infrastructure, electric bicycles may ride along the edge of the road on streets with regulated speeds of up to 50 km/h.

Experts have raised concerns regarding the impact on public transit and the city's infrastructure. While the goal was to reach 1,000 kilometers of cycling infrastructure by 2024, the city now projects reaching approximately 750 kilometers by the end of 2028.