San José’s local government has officially established strict operational parameters for electric scooters and related personal transportation devices, setting a mandatory speed limit of 25 kilometers per hour and requiring liability insurance for all operators.
According to decree Nº 3279, promulgated by the Intendencia de San José, the new regulations target Vehículos de Movilidad Personal (VMP). These devices are defined as individual transport units featuring one or more wheels, powered exclusively by electric motors, and built for restricted-speed travel. The framework governs operational conditions, safety equipment, and authorized transit zones across the department.
Driver Age Restrictions and Mandatory Safety Equipment
Under the new municipal rules, anyone operating a VMP must be at least 14 years old. Riders are legally required to wear a protective helmet and display reflective elements on their persons or equipment. Furthermore, operators must secure a third-party civil liability insurance policy.
The decree mandates specific physical features for the vehicles themselves. Every VMP must be equipped with front and rear lighting, a braking system on both wheels or an equivalent mechanism, a foot support base, and an audible warning device such as a bell or horn. The regulation strictly caps travel speeds at 25 kilometers per hour and bans carrying more than one person per vehicle.
Authorized Transit Zones and Departmental Registry
The municipal framework permits VMP travel on streets, avenues, bicycle paths, and dedicated lanes. Conversely, the local government bans these devices from sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, and national highways located within the department.
To establish accountability, the department is creating a mandatory, free, and simplified departmental registry for personal mobility vehicles. According to municipal documents, registered VMP units are exempt from vehicle registration taxes and any fees linked to their identification.
Special Mobility Permits for Tricycles and Quadricycles
In a separate action under decree Nº 3278, the Intendencia de San José authorized special departmental circulation permits for tricycles and quadricycles. These vehicles are designated exclusively for individuals with verified physical impairments or motor limitations.
The permit is strictly personal and non-transferable, linking an individual applicant to a specific vehicle. Obtaining the credential requires an appearance before the General Directorate of Traffic, a technical inspection of the vehicle, a practical driving test, medical or specialized documentation justifying the request, and active mandatory insurance. This specific decree regulating special mobility vehicles takes effect on January 1, 2027.
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