New Regulations for Electric Scooters and Bikes in Mexico City: What You Need to Know
Starting July 1, 2026, electric scooter and high-powered electric bicycle users in Mexico City will face new regulations requiring them to obtain vehicle plates and a driver’s license. This measure, published in the Official Gazette and outlined by the Ministry of Mobility (Semovi), applies to vehicles exceeding 25 km/h or equipped with motors between 250 watts and 1 kilowatt. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate these changes.
Official Costs and Requirements for Circulation
To comply with the new regulations, users will need to cover several costs and gather specific documentation:
- Vehicle Plate for Scooters/Electric Bicycles: $709 pesos
- License Type A1 (for scooters/electric bicycles): $572 pesos
- License Type A2 (for motorcycles, also valid): $1,142 pesos
- Circulation Card and Registration Sticker: Included in the official process
- Hologram for Exempt Vehicles: No extra cost, but mandatory for low-power vehicles (motor less than 250 watts and maximum speed of 25 km/h)
Mandatory Documentation:
- Official identification
- Invoice or proof of ownership
- Recent proof of address
- Paid capture line (payment receipt)
- Corresponding driver’s license
Mandatory Helmet and Estimated Minimum Cost
A certified helmet will be mandatory for all drivers. Here’s an overview of helmet costs:
- Minimum price for a certified helmet (DOT/ECE): $1,350 pesos
- Average range in physical stores: $1,350 to $2,000 pesos
Common Brands and Prices:
- LS2: $2,490 to $3,990 pesos
- Sharft: $1,899 to $2,500 pesos
- HJC: $1,795 to $2,795 pesos
Availability: Specialized stores, Amazon, Mercado Libre.
Estimated Minimum Total Cost to Comply (as of May 2026):
- Plate: $709 pesos
- License A1: $572 pesos
- Basic certified helmet: $1,350 pesos
- Total Minimum: $2,631 pesos
If License A2 is chosen, the total minimum cost will be $3,201 pesos.
Periods, Dates, and Regularization Process
The implementation will follow a structured timeline:
- Starting July 1, 2026: New vehicles must be sold already plated from the point of sale. Registration and processing for existing vehicles begin.
- Until November 20, 2026: Deadline to regularize vehicles acquired before July 2026.
- Starting September 1, 2026: Fines and penalties for non-compliance will be enforced.
Fines and Economic Sanctions
Failure to comply with the new regulations will result in significant penalties:
- Circulating without plates or license: 10 UMAs (approximately $1,130 pesos)
- Recurrence or restricted routes: Up to 30 UMAs ($3,394 pesos)
- Without helmet, lights, or reflective elements: 10-20 UMAs ($1,130 – $2,260 pesos)
- Vehicle impoundment: For serious infractions
Circulation Restrictions
- Only adults are permitted to operate these vehicles.
- Prohibited on sidewalks, bike paths, bus lanes, and fast lanes (>50 km/h).
Exceptions and Additional Conditions
Some vehicles are exempt from certain requirements, while others have specific conditions:
- Pedal-assisted electric bicycles (motor <250 watts, max 25 km/h): Exempt from plates and license, but must carry an official hologram.
- Units plated in another entity: Mandatory registration in Mexico City to integrate a reliable registry.
- Commercializer Responsibility: Companies selling new vehicles must deliver them already plated starting July 1, 2026.
The complete guidelines and the digital platform for procedures will be available on the institutional portal of the Ministry of Mobility.
