Mexico City has introduced new regulations requiring owners of electric scooters and bicycles to register their vehicles and obtain official licenses [1].
The measure aims to organize the rapid growth of micromobility in the capital. By classifying these devices as Personal Electric Motorized Vehicles (VEMEPE), the city intends to integrate them into the formal traffic system to reduce accidents and improve road safety.
Government officials, including Head of Government Clara Brugada Molina and official Héctor Ulises García, said the regulation is necessary to protect vulnerable users [1]. The city estimates there are 200,000 uncontrolled scooters currently operating on the streets [1].
Under the new rules, operators must comply with four primary requirements: mandatory vehicle registration, a valid driver's license, official license plates, and the consistent use of a helmet [2]. These requirements treat the devices similarly to motorcycles in terms of legal accountability and safety standards [3].
While the regulatory framework was established following an official publication in August 2024 [1], the city has provided a grace period for residents to adapt. All users of electric scooters and bicycles must complete the registration process and meet all legal requirements by November 2026 [1].
Local authorities said the transition period allows the government to set up the necessary infrastructure for registration and plate issuance. The move follows a trend of increasing urban congestion and a rise in collisions involving light electric vehicles that previously operated without oversight [1].
“The city estimates there are 200,000 uncontrolled scooters currently operating on the streets.”
This regulation represents a significant shift in urban mobility policy by removing the 'toy' or 'pedestrian' status of electric micromobility. By imposing motorcycle-style requirements on scooters and e-bikes, Mexico City is attempting to solve a scalability problem where the volume of vehicles outpaced the existing safety laws. The success of the initiative will depend on whether the registration process is accessible enough to prevent a large-scale move toward illegal, unregistered operation.
