E-bike, moped or motorcycle: how Brazil classifies them

Electric bicycle

Under Contran Resolution 996/2023, an electric bicycle has two wheels and no throttle: the motor, of up to 1,000 W, helps only while the rider pedals and stops assisting at 32 km/h (a walk-assist mode of up to 6 km/h is allowed). It does not need registration, a plate or a driving license, but it must carry the equipment the resolution lists, such as a speed indicator, a bell and night signalling.

Self-propelled device

A self-propelled device (equipamento autopropelido) has its own propulsion and one or more wheels, with or without self-balancing, within the same limits of 1,000 W and 32 km/h, plus size limits: up to 70 cm wide and 130 cm between axles. Electric scooters usually fall here, and so does a bicycle-like model with a throttle that stays within these limits. They are exempt from registration, and where they may ride is set by the resolution and by local rules.

Moped (ciclomotor)

The Traffic Code defines a ciclomotor as a vehicle with two or three wheels and, if electric, a motor of up to 4 kW and a maximum design speed of up to 50 km/h. A model with more than 1,000 W or a design speed above 32 km/h is a ciclomotor, as long as it stays within 4 kW and 50 km/h; a throttle alone does not make a vehicle a ciclomotor. Ciclomotores need registration, a plate and annual licensing, and the rider needs an ACC permit or a category A license. To register one, the Detran asks for the invoice, the CAT certificate and the make/model/version code, and the manufacturer or importer must pre-register the vehicle in RENAVAM. Since 1 January 2026, an unregistered ciclomotor may not be driven on public roads.

Electric motorcycle

Above the ciclomotor limits, the vehicle is classified as a motorcycle, a scooter (motoneta) or a tricycle (triciclo): registration, plate and a category A license, plus the CAT and the make/model/version code, like any motor vehicle.

Battery and charger

The battery is the most sensitive part of the import. Ask for its chemistry, voltage and capacity, the charger specifications and the documents needed to transport lithium batteries by sea. Plan where the units will be stored and charged in Brazil, and how a customer will get a replacement battery or charger later.

What an importer checks

Ask the factory for a technical sheet with rated power and maximum design speed, and confirm whether the model has a throttle, pedal assistance only, or both. Check the dimensions against the self-propelled limits. For mopeds and motorcycles, the importer is responsible for pre-registering the vehicle in RENAVAM; confirm that the CAT and the make/model/version code can be obtained before you sell. Also plan the manual in Portuguese and the transport rules for lithium batteries.

• Rated power and maximum design speed in writing
• Throttle, pedal assistance or both
• Width and wheelbase
• CAT and make/model/version code for mopeds and motorcycles

Where XT Brazil fits

XT Brazil works with electric bicycles and motorcycles by project, without stock in Brazil: the model is chosen with the buyer, and the documents of each version are checked before the order.