Mexico City Introduces Mandatory Hologram for Electric Bicycles
Mexico City, May 12, 2026 – The Government of Mexico City has announced that, effective July 1, 2026, all plate-exempt electric bicycles will be required to display an official hologram issued by the Secretariat of Mobility (Semovi). This measure is part of a comprehensive reform to the Traffic Regulations and the Mobility Law, recently published in the Official Gazette, designed to regulate the circulation and registration of personal electric vehicles across the capital.
Electric bicycles with pedal assistance, equipped with motors under 250 watts and a maximum speed of 25 km/h, will not need license plates or a driver’s license. However, they must prominently display this new hologram to identify them as exempt from traditional vehicle registration.
Obligations for Commercializers and Users
Commercializing companies will be mandated to deliver new electric vehicles either already plated or with the corresponding hologram directly from the point of sale, starting from the regulation’s effective date. This ensures that all new electric bicycles entering circulation comply with the new rules immediately.
The digital platform for registration and hologram acquisition will be accessible via Semovi’s official institutional portal. While specific guidelines and official requirements are yet to be fully detailed, users can expect to provide official identification, proof of ownership (such as an invoice), and a recent proof of address. For vehicles that do require a license plate, a paid capture line might also be necessary.
The hologram process for exempt electric bicycles is expected to be free of charge, making it accessible for all users. However, it will be strictly mandatory, as the absence of this distinctive mark will prohibit legal circulation on bike lanes.
Key Dates and Regulatory Changes
The reform introduces two distinct categories for electric vehicles. High-power and high-speed vehicles (exceeding 250 watts or 25 km/h) will necessitate plating, a circulation card, and an A1 or A2 type driver’s license. In contrast, low-power electric bicycles and scooters will be exempt from plates but must carry the new hologram.
The regularization period for existing units is set from July 1 to November 20, 2026. Enforcement of penalties for non-compliance will commence on September 1, 2026, for new vehicles, and from November 20, 2026, for all users, including those with pre-existing electric bicycles.
Costs associated with compliance include 709 pesos for VEMEPE vehicle plating, 572 pesos for an A1 license, and 1,142 pesos for an A2 license. The hologram for exempt bicycles, while mandatory, will not incur extra costs.
Fines and Consequences for Non-Compliance
Failure to display the mandatory hologram after the specified dates will result in economic sanctions, calculated in Units of Measurement and Actualization (UMAS). Fines will escalate based on recurrence:
- First and second infractions: 10 UMAS (approximately 1,175 pesos)
- Third and fourth infractions: 15 UMAS (approximately 1,762 pesos)
- Fifth infraction and beyond: 20 UMAS (approximately 2,350 pesos)
These penalties are designed to encourage timely registration and regularization of all electric bicycles operating within the capital.
Interstate Vehicles and Future Information
The registration will also be mandatory for units originating from other federal entities, ensuring a reliable registry and consistent adherence to Mexico City’s mobility provisions. Semovi will conduct an extensive information campaign before July 2026, targeting users, businesses, and the general public, to clarify the exact procedures and requirements for obtaining the hologram.
While specific guidelines are pending, the process for the mandatory hologram for plate-exempt electric vehicles (VEP) such as low-power electric bicycles may mirror the existing ‘Exempt Hologram’ for electric and hybrid cars. This car hologram is issued free of charge at verification centers to those who present official identification, proof of address, circulation card, and appear on the list of eligible vehicles published by the Ministry of Environment (Sedema). For cars with plates from other states, this process costs 630 pesos. The exempt hologram for cars is valid for six years and permits circulation without environmental verification restrictions.
Users are advised to consult official channels in the coming weeks for specific requirements and updates.
Source: https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2026/05/12/que-es-el-holograma-obligatorio-para-bicicletas-electricas-exentas-de-placa-en-cdmx-y-como-obtenerlo/
