Mexico City cracks down on electric scooters with tougher traffic laws
Mexico City has introduced stricter rules for electric bikes and scooters. The updated regulations, now published in the Official Gazette, aim to improve safety and clarify traffic laws for these vehicles. Riders who fail to comply will face hefty fines and penalties. The new rules classify electric bikes and scooters as either personal electric vehicles (PEVs) or motorised personal electric vehicles (MPEVs), depending on their speed. All MPEVs must now display visible licence plates, registration stickers, and an electric mobility identifier. Drivers and passengers are also required to wear protective helmets at all times.
MPEVs are banned from sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transport lanes. The regulations also limit passenger numbers to those specified on the vehicle’s registration. Violations will result in fines ranging from 10 to 20 times the current *Unidad de Medida y Actualización* (UMA), with penalties exceeding 2,340 pesos in some cases. Offenders may also lose three points from their driver’s licence. The measures come as part of broader efforts to regulate the growing use of electric vehicles in the city. Authorities have stressed the importance of compliance to reduce accidents and ensure smoother traffic flow.
The updated traffic rules are now in force, with fines and licence deductions applying to non-compliant riders. Electric scooter and bike users must follow the new requirements, including helmet use, proper registration, and restricted lane access. The changes seek to create safer conditions for both riders and pedestrians in Mexico City.
