São Paulo implements new rules for electric bikes and scooters

The City of São Paulo has implemented new regulations for the circulation of electric bicycles, scooters, and other self-propelled vehicles. The rules establish specific speed limits: 20 km/h in bike lanes and cycle paths, and 6 km/h in areas shared with pedestrians, such as sidewalks.

On roads without dedicated cycling infrastructure, electric bicycles may circulate on streets with speed limits up to 50 km/h, while scooters are restricted to streets with limits up to 40 km/h. To distinguish between categories, electric bicycles are defined as having a motor of up to 1 kW that provides assistance only while pedaling; vehicles exceeding these specs are classified as mopeds, requiring registration, licensing, and a driver's license.

A period of educational guidance is currently underway, featuring mobile speed indicators installed by the Companhia de Engenharia de Tráfego (CET) to inform users of their speeds. While the rules took effect on August 28, formal enforcement and the application of fines are scheduled to begin on October 12, following a period of public awareness campaigns.