New law prohibits bicycles for teenagers in a Brazilian state: proposal creates restrictions for minors, imposes new safety rules, limits speed on streets, and tightens enforcement on electric bicycles following an increase in traffic accidents.

Written by Alisson Ficher

Published on 20/05/2026 at 16:50

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The growth of electric bicycles on Brazilian streets has begun to pressure local and federal authorities, while recent accidents have broadened the debate on minimum age, mandatory equipment, permitted speed, and enforcement in cities where teenagers already use this type of transportation routinely.

A proposal under consideration in the Serra City Council, in Espírito Santo, aims to restrict the use of electric bicycles by teenagers, establish speed limits, and make safety items mandatory for those who circulate with this type of vehicle in the city.

The project, called Safe Bike Program, was presented by councilman Renato Ribeiro and proposes the prohibition of riding by under 16s, as well as rules for helmets, lighting, bells, and reflective signage.

The measure is not yet a law in effect and needs to advance in the municipal legislature before producing practical effects, although it has already received a favorable opinion in the Committee on Legislation, Justice, and Final Writing this year of 2026.

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Rules for electric bicycles in Serra

According to the presented draft, electric bicycles would have to adhere to different speeds depending on the area of circulation, with a limit of 6 km/h in pedestrian areas, 25 km/h on roads without bike lanes or cycle paths, and 32 km/h in other locations.

Project in Serra aims to restrict electric bicycles for minors, impose helmets, speed limits, and reinforce enforcement.

In addition to the age restriction, the project mandates the use of helmets and requires vehicles to have a bell, front and rear lighting, as well as reflective signage to enhance visibility in urban traffic.

Conducts considered risky during riding, such as using a cell phone without a hands-free device, using headphones that isolate traffic sounds, and carrying loads that could compromise the bicycle’s balance, would also be prohibited.

Another aspect of the proposal allows the City Hall to create a Municipal Electric Bicycle Registry, with the possibility of online registration, to assist in identifying vehicles in cases of theft or robbery and in mobility planning.

Accidents with electric bicycles in Espírito Santo

The advancement of electric bicycles is occurring amid an increase in accident reports in Espírito Santo, especially in Serra, where this type of transport has become popular among students, workers, and app-based delivery drivers.

According to a survey released by Portal Tempo Novo, Espírito Santo recorded 134 accidents involving electric bicycles in 2026, of which 62 occurred in Serra, considering cases with emergency response or formal registration.

The same survey indicates seven deaths related to electric bicycle accidents in the state this year, including the case of a 57-year-old woman hit by a bus while traveling in an exclusive lane.

The data is cited as part of the context that led councilors and public agencies to discuss clearer local rules, but the absence of a consolidated public database makes it difficult to measure the full extent of the problem.

Legal Opinion and Project Processing

The processing of the proposal also faced legal questions within the Serra City Council itself, because the Legal Department identified similarities between the Bill No. 82/2026 and another previous project, Bill No. 981/2025.

In the opinion, the Legal Department pointed out two alternatives for the Board of Directors: to file the most recent proposal or to attach it to the previous project, allowing the matters to be analyzed together.

The agency also indicated possible discussions about constitutionality, mainly involving educational campaigns, creation of a seal, and attributions to the municipal Executive Power, points that can be evaluated by the House committees.

Even with the contrary legal opinion, documents from the processing show that the process continued and, subsequently, a favorable opinion was given by the Legislation, Justice, and Final Writing Committee.

Serra City Hall Cites Federal Rules

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The Serra City Hall previously informed that it is monitoring the growth of electric bicycles and mopeds in the municipality, a scenario that, according to the administration, reinforces the need to organize mobility and enhance safety.

The municipal management also highlighted that general traffic rules are defined by the Union, but municipalities can regulate local aspects of circulation, provided they respect the limits set by federal legislation.

This division of competencies appears in Contran Resolution No. 996/2023, which addresses the circulation of mopeds, electric bicycles, and self-propelled individual mobility equipment on public roads.

According to the national standard, electric bicycles and self-propelled equipment do not require registration, licensing, plating, or a license, but must comply with circulation rules and mandatory equipment defined by legislation.

Federal project for electric bicycles

In the National Congress, Bill No. 4,920/2025 also proposes general rules for electric and motorized bicycles throughout the country, including minimum age, mandatory helmet use, and the creation of a national registry.

The federal proposal was presented by Congressman Dr. Victor Linhalis, from Podemos of Espírito Santo, and is awaiting the appointment of a rapporteur in the Industry, Commerce, and Services Committee of the Chamber of Deputies.

According to the text under review, the operation of these vehicles would only be allowed for those over 15 years old, with a helmet certified by Inmetro, visor or protective glasses for both the driver and any passenger.

The national project also requires a bell, white front lighting, red rear lighting, and side reflectors, and prohibits the use of cell phones and headphones while driving.

The proposed federal limits are 6 km/h in pedestrian areas and sidewalks where circulation is permitted, 25 km/h on bike lanes and cycle paths, and 32 km/h on other authorized urban roads.

Another change planned in Brasília targets tampered vehicles, with penalties for irregular modifications of power or maximum speed, as well as sanctions for workshops and stores that carry out such alterations.

In Espírito Santo, Cetran/ES also submitted proposals to Senatran to discuss a national standardization of speed, power, safety requirements, and circulation rules for electric bicycles and self-propelled vehicles.