
The app-based transportation company Uber started its motorcycle cab service in São Paulo on Wednesday (23) . The news comes amid a fierce dispute between the city government and 99, which has been offering the service since last week. Check out more details about the legal dispute below:
99 and Uber moto in SP: understand the controversy with city hall
In January 2023, a city decree suspended the motorcycle cab service in SP. At the time, the justification was that this form of transportation would cause risks to road safety, bearing in mind the high rate of motorcycle accidents in the capital.
Despite the ban, 99 launched 99Moto on January 14. According to the company, private passenger transportation is permitted by federal law, which is sovereign over the São Paulo decree and would therefore prove the legality of the service.
The city’s response was clear: a daily fine of R$1 million for moral damages and crimes of disobedience against 99. The state court, however, understood that the request was unconstitutional and rejected it. As a result, 99Moto continues to operate.
On January 22, Uber followed suit and launched its motorcycle cab service in São Paulo. In a statement, the company recalled the court’s arguments in denying the city council’s request, that “the modality is already present in several capitals in the country”, and that “it is unconstitutional to prohibit or restrict individual private transportation by a driver registered with an app, as it constitutes a violation of the principles of free enterprise and free competition“.
Mayor criticizes companies’ decision
Following the announcement that Uber would also offer rides via motorcycle in São Paulo, Mayor Ricardo Nunes (MDB) criticized both companies involved. In a press conference, he stated that the companies are “greedy for profit” and disregard “the risk to people’s lives”, and that the service would cause “carnage ” in the city.
In addition, he stated that he will request an investigation into the companies for municipal violations, as well as a fine of R$50,000 per day if the services continue to be available. He also points out that, since the beginning of 2025, the city’s hospitals have taken in 100 motorcyclists after motorcycle accidents.
Despite the dispute, both Uber Moto and 99Moto are still operating in São Paulo. Both offer rides only outside the expanded center, on the grounds of analyzing the demand from São Paulo residents.