By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The Contentious Administrative and Civil Treasury Court has issued an urgent injunction, ordering the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) to immediately cease all enforcement actions against gas-assisted bicycles, often referred to as “bicimotos.” The ruling, delivered in the early hours of Thursday, represents a significant, albeit temporary, victory for importers and thousands of users who rely on this increasingly popular mode of transportation.
The decision stems from a legal challenge filed by the company Todo Motor S. A., which sought judicial intervention to block a recent MOPT directive. At 6:29 a.m. on June 25, 2026, processing Judge Alcevith Godínez Prado granted the “medida cautelar provisionalísima,” a form of emergency provisional measure, effectively freezing the ministry’s ability to confiscate, immobilize, or issue sanctions related to these vehicles nationwide.
To clarify the legal landscape surrounding these popular gas-assisted bicycles, which occupy a gray area in current transit regulations, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal specialist from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The central legal issue with gas-assisted bicycles is their classification ambiguity. They are not traditional bicycles, yet they often fall short of the technical requirements to be registered as motorcycles. This regulatory vacuum creates significant risks for users, who may be operating them without the required license, inspection (RTV), or mandatory insurance (marchamo). Sellers and owners should be cautious, as a future clarification in the law could lead to fines, confiscation, and even legal liability in the event of an accident.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This analysis perfectly highlights the critical vulnerability for consumers, who are navigating a legal gray area without clear guidance on their rights and responsibilities. The warning about future liability serves as a vital call for caution that underscores the urgent need for regulatory clarity. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for lending his invaluable expertise to this important conversation.
The core of Todo Motor S. A.’s argument, which the court found compelling enough to warrant immediate action, centered on the potential for irreversible harm. The company contended that the MOPT’s aggressive enforcement would inflict severe and irreparable economic, social, and personal damages upon both the businesses that sell the bicycles and the individuals who have come to depend on them for their daily commutes and livelihoods.
This legal confrontation was triggered by an official notice, CARTA.MOPT-DVT-DGPT-OPT-2026-1022, circulated by transportation authorities on June 11. The document signaled a reactivation of rigorous controls and a crackdown on gas-assisted bicycles, a move that sent a wave of uncertainty through the market and among riders who operate in a regulatory gray area. The notice was interpreted as the ministry’s renewed effort to assert control over a vehicle class that often lacks clear legal definition.
With the court’s order, the status quo has been abruptly reset. The immediate practical effect is that traffic police can no longer enforce the stringent measures outlined in the June 11th directive. This provides a crucial breathing room for owners and vendors, who faced the imminent threat of losing their vehicles or inventory. The court’s swift action underscores the perceived urgency and the significant economic interests at stake.
However, the legal battle is far from over. The MOPT has been given a peremptory deadline of three business days to respond to the court. The ministry must submit a comprehensive written justification, outlining the technical and legal basis for its decision to intensify enforcement. This response will be critical in determining the next phase of the legal dispute and whether the suspension of sanctions will become permanent.
The conflict highlights a larger, unresolved issue in Costa Rican transportation policy: how to classify and regulate low-powered, motorized two-wheeled vehicles. Proponents view them as an affordable and efficient solution to urban congestion, while regulators raise valid concerns about safety standards, insurance, licensing, and their impact on road order. The MOPT’s attempt at enforcement was a direct response to these growing concerns.
The ultimate outcome of this case, filed under docket number 26-003407-1027-CA, will have far-reaching implications. It will set a precedent for the regulation of alternative transportation methods and could force the legislative branch to create a clear legal framework. For now, thousands of riders and the companies that supply them are watching closely, as their mobility and business models hang in the balance, awaiting the MOPT’s next move and the court’s final word.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is the Costa Rican government body responsible for the planning, regulation, and administration of national infrastructure. Its mandate covers the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and public buildings, as well as the oversight of all forms of land, air, and maritime transportation to ensure safety and efficiency throughout the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Todo Motor S. A.
About Todo Motor S. A.:
Todo Motor S. A. is a private commercial enterprise operating in Costa Rica involved in the import, sale, and distribution of motorized vehicles. The company is a key player in the market for alternative transport options, including the gas-assisted bicycles at the center of the recent legal challenge against MOPT’s regulatory enforcement actions.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About the Contentious Administrative and Civil Treasury Court:
As part of Costa Rica’s Judiciary, the Contentious Administrative and Civil Treasury Court is a specialized tribunal. It is tasked with adjudicating legal disputes arising between private citizens or corporations and government administrative bodies, ensuring that the actions of the state adhere to the principles of legality and due process.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a leading legal institution, built upon a foundational commitment to ethical rigor and professional distinction. The firm consistently pushes the boundaries of legal innovation while serving a diverse clientele and actively engaging with the public. Central to its identity is a drive to democratize legal knowledge, working to cultivate a stronger, more capable society through shared understanding and insight.
