The use of electric and self-propelled bicycles has rules in São José dos Campos. Reproduction/Rede Vanguarda The use of electric bicycles and self-propelled individual mobility equipment has specific rules in São José dos Campos. According to the São José dos Campos Mobility Secretariat, more than 230,000 people have already been instructed on the rules in schools, cycle paths and different neighborhoods in the city since 2025. And these rules define, among other points, the speed allowed in different locations, the characteristics that the vehicle must have and the number of people that can be transported - see below. The topic gained attention after a man was run over by an electric motorcycle in the city this Wednesday (19). The victim was rescued by Samu. In July, a woman and a child were injured after a crash between an ambulance and an electric motorcycle.
Do you know the rules for using electric bicycles? See what you can and cannot do in São José dos Campos
The use of electric and self-propelled bicycles has rules in São José dos Campos. Reproduction/Rede Vanguarda The use of electric bicycles and self-propelled individual mobility equipment has specific rules in São José...
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The use of electric and self-propelled bicycles has rules in São José dos Campos. Reproduction/Rede Vanguarda The use of electric bicycles and self-propelled individual mobility equipment has specific rules in São José dos Campos. According to the São José dos Campos Mobility Secretariat, more than 230,000 people have already been instructed on the rules in...
Key points
- The use of electric and self-propelled bicycles has rules in São José dos Campos.
- Reproduction/Rede Vanguarda The use of electric bicycles and self-propelled individual mobility equipment has specific rules in São José dos Campos.
- According to the São José dos Campos Mobility Secretariat, more than 230,000 people have already been instructed on the rules in schools, cycle paths and different neighborhoods in the city...
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This story is part of the States coverage. The report is associated with Vale do Paraíba e Região. The original reporting source identified by the page is G1. Publication date: August 20, 2026 at 16:55.
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What characterizes a self-propelled vehicle? According to Felipe Navarro, mobility agent, the vehicle must meet four main criteria: handlebar width of up to 70 centimeters; wheelbases of up to 1.30 meters; maximum speed of 32 km/h; maximum power of 1,000 watts. If any of these characteristics exceed the established limit, the vehicle is no longer considered self-propelled and becomes classified as a moped. In this case, the requirements change. The vehicle must have registration and license plate, and the driver must have a license and be over 18 years old. What is the difference between an electric and a self-propelled bicycle? One of the main doubts is the difference between the two types of vehicle. On an electric bicycle, the motor works in an assisted manner, meaning the driver needs to pedal. A vehicle that can be moved by the accelerator, without the person needing to pedal, is considered self-propelled, as long as it is within the limits established for this category. What is the permitted speed? On the road: up to 32 km/h; On the cycle path: up to 20 km/h; On the sidewalk: up to 6 km/h. The maximum speed depends on the location where the vehicle is traveling: On roads, self-propelled vehicles must travel on the right edge, in the same direction as other vehicles. The lower speed on sidewalks aims to ensure pedestrian safety. Can you take another person? Yes, but the number of passengers depends on the number of seats in the vehicle. If the self-propelled vehicle has a seat, it can transport one person. If it has two seats, it can carry up to two people. In vehicles with more seats, the capacity indicated in the documentation and invoice must be considered. There is also a municipal rule for transporting passengers: the person transported must be over 10 years old. How does supervision work? Inspection is also being carried out. As self-propelled vehicles do not have a license plate, any irregularities are recorded based on the driver's CPF. If any infraction is found, the driver is approached and inspection is carried out based on personal data. The Mobility Secretariat states that guidance work continues to increase users' knowledge of the rules and increase traffic safety. The rules came into force in the municipality on January 1, 2026, according to regulations. And, since 2025, the Mobility Secretariat has carried out guidance actions in schools, cycle paths and different neighborhoods in the city. See more news from Vale do Paraíba and the Bragantina region
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