Mexico City now requires registration and license plates for electric scooters and bicycles capable of exceeding 25 km/h [1].
This regulation aims to differentiate high-speed micromobility vehicles from slower models to reduce safety risks and ensure accountability on public roads. By implementing a registration system, the city can better monitor compliance with safety standards and identify vehicles involved in traffic incidents.
Héctor Ulises García Nieto, the Secretary of Mobility for Mexico City, said the requirement for license plates became effective on July 1, 2024 [2]. The mandate specifically targets vehicles that can reach speeds above 25 km/h [1].
Users of slower electric vehicles will not be required to obtain license plates. Instead, those with models that do not exceed the speed threshold only need a specific distinctive marker to legally operate within the city's designated bike lanes [1].
The city's approach to micromobility focuses on the inherent risk posed by higher speeds. Vehicles that can travel faster than 25 km/h are viewed as having a different risk profile than traditional bicycles or low-speed scooters, necessitating a more rigorous identification process [1].
Local authorities established the July 1, 2024, deadline to provide owners with a window to register their vehicles before facing potential fines [2]. The registration process is designed to integrate these modern transport options into the existing urban mobility framework, while maintaining the accessibility of slower, low-risk options for commuters.
“Electric scooters and bicycles capable of exceeding 25 km/h must be registered.”
This policy marks a transition for Mexico City from an unregulated micromobility environment to a tiered system based on speed. By treating high-speed electric vehicles more like motorized vehicles and low-speed ones like bicycles, the city is attempting to balance the growth of green transport with the necessity of public safety and traffic enforcement.
