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Rio is the first Brazilian capital to have rules for the circulation of electric micromobility equipment.
Published on 07/04/2026 - 13:16 | Updated on 07/04/2026 - 14:39
Agents initiated educational and enforcement actions - Rafael Catarcione The Rio de Janeiro City Hall has presented a set of measures to organize the circulation of electric micromobility equipment in the city, such as mopeds and self-propelled vehicles. The new rules are already in effect, with the exception of the registration requirement, which will be in effect until the end of this year. In addition, the municipality announced investments of R$ 20 million in expanding the cycle path network and R$ 8 million in the motorcycle lane network.
— The city of Rio de Janeiro is leading the way and is the first capital in the country to establish measures that more clearly define which vehicles can circulate on bike paths. With these new regulations, self-propelled vehicles are being equated to mopeds. All these electric motorcycles will need to have license plates, and drivers will need a driver's license to drive on the path. The city's bike paths will be reserved for bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, and electric scooters. When electric motorcycles circulate on the bike path, they risk being seized — said Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere.
Decree number 57823, published last Monday (April 6th), establishes clear rules for traffic flow, speed limits, mandatory use of protective equipment, and enforcement guidelines, focusing on road safety and the organization of urban space. The regulations take effect immediately, including the traffic rules.
Among the main points is the prohibition of these modes of transport on roads with speeds above 60 km/h. On roads with speeds up to 60 km/h, mopeds and electric bicycles may circulate on the right side of the road, in the direction of traffic. On roads with a speed limit of up to 40 km/h, mopeds, electric bicycles, and scooters are permitted. Mopeds may circulate in the traffic lane, on the right side, in the direction of traffic. Electric bicycles and electric scooters must circulate on the cycling infrastructure, and, in its absence, on the right side of the road, in the direction of traffic.
A resolution published this Tuesday (April 7th) in the Official Gazette determines that, on roads with a maximum speed of up to 60 km/h and with a traffic lane designated for BRS (Bus Rapid Transit), the circulation of mopeds, bicycles and electric scooters is prohibited.
The circulation of mopeds on cycling infrastructure is now prohibited. Mopeds will no longer be allowed access to cycle paths, cycle lanes, and cycle routes.
On cycling infrastructure, the maximum speed is maintained and limited to 25 km/h. On sidewalks, the general rule is prohibition, with specific exceptions in sections with signage and a limit of up to 6 km/h, always giving priority to pedestrians.
The decree also makes helmet use mandatory for all users and defines specific rules for the circulation and safety of different modes of transport. Furthermore, it is prohibited to carry more than one person on the back of a motorcycle, and that person must use the necessary safety equipment.
Another important point is the requirement for registration, licensing, and license plates for mopeds — including self-propelled vehicles with a seat, which are now considered equivalent to this category. In this specific case, registration must be completed by December 31st. The driver must be duly licensed with a driver's license classified in category A.
Expansion of the cycle path network
As part of its sustainable mobility strategy, the City Hall also announced the expansion of the cycle path network by 50 kilometers by 2028, focusing on connecting neighborhoods, leisure areas, public facilities, and transportation systems.
The plan includes the construction of new sections and the upgrading of existing signage, as well as the creation of structuring axes in regions such as the Center, South Zone, Tijuca, and North Zone, increasing safety for cyclists and encouraging the use of bicycles in daily life.
New deployments:
Centro
- Acre Street
- Uruguaiana Street
- Benedito Hipólito Street
- Republic square
- Master Valentim Street
- Senate Street – Lapa
- Chile Avenue – Lapa
- Invalids Street – Lapa
- Sacadura Cabral Street – Gamboa
South Zone
- Augusto Severo Avenue – Glória
- Muniz Barreto Street – Botafogo
- General Góes Monteiro Street – Botafogo
- Passagem Street – Botafogo
- Royal Grandeza Street – Botafogo
- Henrique Dodsworth Avenue – Copacabana
- Lopes Quintas Street – Botanical Garden
- Barão da Torre Street – Ipanema
West Zone
- Ribeiro Dantas Avenue – Bangu
- Avenida Cônego de Vasconcelos – Bangu
- Silva Cardoso Street – Bangu
- Rio da Prata Street – Bangu
- Avenida Eng. Gastão Rangel – Santa Cruz
- Francisco Real Santa Cruz Street / Padre Miguel
Southwest Zone
- Jorge Cury Avenue – Barra da Tijuca
- Raquel Queiroz Avenue – Barra da Tijuca
- Carlos Oswald Street – Barra da Tijuca
North Zone
- Pedro II Avenue – São Cristóvão
- Rotary Avenue – São Cristóvão
- São Januário Street – São Cristóvão
- Barão de Mesquita Street – Tijuca
- Conde de Bonfim Street – Tijuca
- Haddock Lobo Street – Tijuca
- General Roca Street – Tijuca
- Gabriela Prado Maia Avenue – Tijuca
- Dom Helder Câmara Avenue – Del Castilho
- Galeão Road – Governor's Island
- Américo Rocha Street – Marshal Hermes
- Henrique de Melo Road – Oswaldo Cruz
- Padre Manso Avenue – Madureira
Plan for expanding motorcycle lanes
The City Hall also presented the plan to expand motorcycle lanes by 2026, with approximately 74 kilometers of interventions planned on strategic roads in the city.
The project includes corridors along important road axes, such as Avenida das Américas, Linha Vermelha, Lagoa-Barra, and connections between the South Zone and Galeão Airport.
The implementation schedule is defined and will be executed throughout the second half of 2026, starting in June and with phases planned until December:
- June 22nd: starting point on the Red Line and Engenheiro Freyssinet Elevated Highway.
- July 27th: Zuzu Angel Tunnel, Padre Leonel Franca Avenue, Mário Ribeiro Avenue and Borges de Medeiros Avenue
- August 31st: Avenida das Américas (towards the South Zone) and Lagoa (Avenida Epitácio Pessoa)
- September 28th: Avenida das Américas (towards the West Zone)
- October 26th: Lagoa-Barra connection
- December 7th: South Zone – Galeão connection
Studies indicate high adherence of motorcyclists to motorcycle lanes, with rates between 86% and 96%, in addition to improved traffic flow organization. However, the City Hall emphasizes that safety also depends on enforcement and speed control, with the use of technology, video surveillance, and radar.
Inspection
Municipal traffic, mobility, and public order authorities will oversee compliance with the rules, indicate permissions, restrictions, and speed limits, as well as implement, maintain, and adjust road signage. Educational and guidance campaigns are also planned. Penalties are those stipulated in Article 244 of the Brazilian Traffic Code, which establishes levels for infractions committed by drivers of motorcycles, mopeds, and motor scooters.
Agents from the Municipal Secretariat of Public Order (SEOP) will begin educational and enforcement actions on the circulation of mopeds, electric bicycles, and electric scooters in the city of Rio this Monday (June 6th). Today, the operation will take place from 11:30 am in Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and Barra da Tijuca in an itinerant manner.
Ten agents will be involved at each point of the operation, totaling 60 officers focused on these inspections. Each team will consist of three SEOP agents, two municipal guards, two educational agents from CET-Rio, and two social workers from the Municipal Secretariat of Social Assistance. Two trucks and two tow trucks will be used in the operation. The main point of the operations will be the corner of Avenida Atlântica and Avenida Princesa Isabel, in Copacabana.
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