By Dante Grecco
06/04/2026 | 12:00
Bicycles compete for space with scooters and other new electric vehicles on Faria Lima
Regulars of São Paulo's busiest bike lanes, such as those on Faria Lima and Paulista avenues, may have noticed that the number of users has grown significantly in recent months. In addition to traditional bicycles, these spaces are being heavily sought after by those traveling with bicycles, scooters, and electric scooters, among other self-propelled equipment.
As Estadão reported, the competition for these spaces has generated several conflicts involving various types of equipment.
Given the growing increase in the number of electric bikes and the number of electric scooters available for rent in the capital of São Paulo (there are 6,700 units, according to data from Woosh and JET, which operate the service), the Executive Secretariat for Mobility and Traffic (Semtra), linked to the São Paulo City Hall, intends to regulate the circulation of these modes.
On May 24, a draft municipal ordinance on the subject was made available and is open for suggestions until Monday, June 8. Click here to learn how to participate in the public consultation and submit your suggestion.
Among other points, the draft, based on Contran Resolution No. 996 of June 15, 2023, defines that:
For traditional or electric bicycles
- 20 km/h is the maximum permitted speed on bike lanes and bike paths;
- 6 km/h is the maximum permitted speed on bike lanes on sidewalks or medians shared with pedestrians or on roads or areas with pedestrians;
- On roads with a regulated speed of up to 50 km/h, without a bike lane or bike path, conventional or electric models can travel along the edge of the road in the same direction as vehicular traffic, obeying the local speed limit;
- They cannot circulate on high-speed roads and highways without a shoulder or dedicated lane.
For self-propelled vehicles (scooters, skateboards, hoverboards, and electric unicycles, among other equipment up to 70 cm wide, wheelbase up to 130 cm, and power up to 1,000 W)
- 20 km/h is the maximum permitted speed on bike lanes, bike paths, or bike routes;
- 20 km/h is also the maximum permitted speed on roads with a maximum regulated speed of up to 40 km/h;
- 6 km/h is the maximum speed on a bike lane on a sidewalk shared with pedestrians.
Under the proposal, these vehicles cannot circulate on:
- Roads with a maximum regulated speed above 40 km/h;
- Sidewalks and walkways;
- Sidewalks and central medians with shared bicycle and pedestrian traffic;
- Pedestrian roads and areas.
The draft also defines that, except for the first item, the circulation of self-propelled vehicles similar to wheelchairs intended for the mobility of people with disabilities or mobility impairments is permitted in the other cases.
What the experts think
For urban micromobility scholars, the City Hall's proposal brings important advances. "The proposal establishes speed regulation parameters that increase the safety of users of electric bicycles and self-propelled vehicles," says Suzana Nogueira, architect, urbanist and specialist in urban mobility projects.
"The text reflects what is stated in Resolution 996/2023 of the National Traffic Council, which established the competence of municipalities to regulate circulation rules," explains Luiz Saldanha, executive director of Aliança Bike.
"We understand that the speed limit of 20 km/h on bike lanes and bike paths is in line with what is already practiced with traditional bicycles and in major cities around the world," says Saldanha. "And it does not conflict with the federal standard, which regulates the maximum speed of equipment at 32 km/h. These are distinct things: the maximum speed of the vehicle and the speed permitted on the road," clarifies the executive director of Aliança Bike.
What could be improved
The experts, however, raise points that could further improve the regulation. In Suzana Nogueira's opinion, some considerations are in order:
- According to her, the resolution indicates a maximum speed of 6 km/h on pedestrian roads or areas, but does not link it to article 255 of the Brazilian Traffic Code. It defines that traffic on sidewalks is only allowed with express authorization and signage from the local authority. "In addition to creating confusion of information among the public, it is important to reinforce that many of the city's sidewalks are narrow, in addition to generating conflicts with pedestrians, who currently already have precarious areas for safe and attractive circulation," says Suzana.
- Due to various factors, says the specialist, there is confusion between models of electric bicycles, self-propelled vehicles with seats, and mopeds. "The resolution does not address these classifications and does not define rules for the circulation of mopeds, being one of the modes that most impacts the safety of those using cycling infrastructure, as well as low-cylinder motorcycles and scooters."
For the specialist, the review of the regulation should also consider other points. Among them:
- The mandatory use of helmets for users of electric cycles. "The speed these equipment reach increases the risk factor for falls or collisions";
- The regulation of moped circulation, avoiding conflict situations in the road system or circulation on cycling infrastructure.
According to the executive director of Aliança Bike, Luiz Saldanha, articles 2 and 4 of the document diverge on the permission to use on roads up to 40 km/h and 50 km/h. "On streets where there is no bike lane or bike path, the electric bicycle can travel at the speed limit of the road," he says. Meanwhile, self-propelled vehicles, under the proposal, would be limited to 20 km/h. "This makes no sense, as it can create serious insecurity. We believe it can be adjusted to the limit of 32 km/h where there is no bike lane or bike path," concludes Saldanha.
According to the City Hall, the Traffic Engineering Company (CET) will be responsible for monitoring the standards set out in the future ordinance as well as educational and guidance actions for users.
