Mexico City Pushes Forward with Electric Vehicle Registration and Rental Scooter Pilot
Mexico City, August 7, 2026 – The regulation of electric vehicles such as scooters and electric bicycles is progressing on two fronts in Mexico City. Since July 1, a registration process has been underway for owners to obtain an Eclectic Mobility Distinctive (DME) and, where applicable, license plates and a circulation card. Simultaneously, the Secretariat of Mobility (SEMOVI) is implementing a pilot program for rental electric scooters, which is now in its final stage.
2,000 VEMEPEs Registered in First Month
Héctor Ulises García Nieto, Secretary of Mobility for Mexico City, informed Chilango that 2,000 Personal Electric Motorized Vehicles (VEMEPE) – the new classification for certain scooters and electric bicycles following recent modifications to the Traffic Regulations – were registered during the first month of the regularization period.
The registration period for these vehicles began on July 1, 2026, and will remain open until November 20. This initiative aims to establish clear rules for the circulation of electric bikes and scooters and to conduct a census of these vehicles in Mexico City, as precise data has been lacking.
Rental Scooter Pilot Program Concludes
García Nieto also stated that the pilot program for rental scooters, implemented during the World Cup to facilitate access to the Banorte Stadium, is nearing its conclusion. Companies Woosh, Jet, and Lime have been providing rental scooter services since May in areas such as Polanco, Buenavista, Tlatelolco, the Central Zone of Mexico City, and areas near the stadium.
The official clarified that this pilot program, involving 1,000 scooters distributed in neighborhoods with cycling infrastructure, will be evaluated to determine its continuity, potential expansion to other areas of Mexico City, and the participation of additional service providers.
Previously, rental scooters operated in Mexico City but were withdrawn in 2019 due to non-compliance with operating guidelines, such as obstructing sidewalks and parking access. García Nieto emphasized that “there is a reorganization of this system today.”
New Regulations and Future Convocations for Companies
The pilot test with the three scooter companies concludes on Saturday, August 8. Following this, an evaluation period will commence. Based on the findings, SEMOVI plans to create specific regulations for the operation of these services.
“[Scooters] are already allowed. The only thing missing is the regulation of how they should circulate, where they should and should not circulate, and that they should not leave certain spaces,” commented García Nieto. Once the regulations are in place, a call for all interested companies to provide the service will be issued, and their applications will be evaluated.
New Categories and Requirements for Electric Vehicles
On May 5, Clara Brugada, Head of Government, introduced modifications to the Traffic Regulations and the Mobility Law Regulations to regulate electric scooters and bikes, enhance safety, and ensure fair coexistence with other forms of mobility.
Two new categories have been established:
- Personal Electric Vehicles (VEP): Scooters or bicycles with a small assisted motor that do not exceed 25 kilometers per hour, weigh more than 35 kilograms, or have a motor power less than 50 watts.
- Personal Electric Motorized Vehicles (VEMEPE): Vehicles with motors that can exceed 25 kilometers per hour. These are further classified into “Type A” (under 35 kg) and “Type B” (between 35 and 350 kg).
Owners of both categories must register their vehicles with SEMOVI. VEP owners will receive a DME with two decals, while VEMEPE owners will receive license plates, a circulation card, and the DME. Additionally, VEMEPE drivers must possess a driver’s license.
This new regulation aligns VEMEPEs with some rules applicable to motorcycles, meaning their drivers must wear helmets and are prohibited from circulating on sidewalks, bike paths, confined lanes for public transport, or central lanes of controlled access roads.
Costs and Penalties for Non-Compliance
The new regulations also introduce additional costs for VEMEPE owners:
- License plate cost: $709 MXN
- Type A1 license cost: $572 MXN
- Type A2 license cost: $1,142 MXN
Fines for non-compliance, such as not wearing a helmet or invading bike lanes, will range from 10 to 20 Units of Measure and Update (UMA), equivalent to between $1,175 and $2,350 MXN.
New vehicles acquired after July 1 must be registered by the selling companies, with sanctions applicable from September 1 for non-compliance. Owners of VEMEPEs acquired before July 1 have until November 20 to complete their registration.
How to Register
Registration is conducted online through the SEMOVI Single Window for Procedures: app.semovi.cdmx.gob.mx/ventanilla-semovi/. Required documents include a valid official identification with photo, proof of vehicle ownership (invoice or letter invoice), the XML file of the Digital Tax Receipt (CFDI), and a proof of address in Mexico City no older than 90 days. After validation and payment, an appointment at the Vehicle Control Module is required to present original documentation and finalize the process.
Source: https://www.chilango.com/noticias/transporte/scooters-y-bicis-electricas-cdmx-avanza-registro-y-programa-piloto-de-monopatines-en-renta/amp
