How And Where To Rent An Electric Scooter In Italy – Rules, Costs, And Providers!
Since 2019 it is possible to use a “monopattino elettirico“, or electric scooter, in Italy. But how do you use these electric two-wheelers yourself and which traffic rules do you have to take into account? We’ll sort it out.
The rules for using an electric scooter in Italy
As a driver of an electric scooter, you follow the same traffic rules in Italy as cyclists. These are the main rules for tourists:
- The minimum age to use an e-scooter is 16 years old;
- There is no driving license requirement;
- Helmets are compulsory for drivers up to the age of 18;
- Wearing a reflective safety vest is mandatory in the dark;
- It is not allowed to ride a scooter with more than one person;
- Drivers use the bicycle path if it is available or on the carriageway, provided that the maximum speed does not exceed 50 km/h;
- It is forbidden to drive on the sidewalk;
- Special liability insurance is not required.
Please note: breaking one or more rules can result in a (hefty) fine. Always follow the national traffic rules.
How do you use an e-scooter in Italy as a tourist?
Example: Lime app
In several Italian cities you can use an electric scooter. These can be located and unlocked with a mobile app. This is done as follows:
1.
Download the app Download the mobile app from one of the active providers (see below which providers are active in Italy).
2.
Create an account Create an account and link a payment method. Most providers accept payments via credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
3. Find an E-scooter near you
Check in the app where the nearest electric scooter is located. In the app, you can also see the scooter’s battery percentage.
4. Unlock the vehicle
Scan the QR code on the scooter to unlock the vehicle and start your ride.
5. Park the scooter.
Done with the ride? Check in the app where the nearest return location is and put the scooter back where it will not affect anyone.
6. End the ride
End the ride using the app. You will then see an overview of the route taken and the costs of your ride.
Which scooter share providers are active in Italy?
Every city or municipality has its own agreements with shared scooter providers. The largest providers in Italy are:
| City | Supplier |
| Ferrara | Dott |
| Florence | Bird |
| Milan | Dott, Lime, Voi |
| Monza | Dott |
| Rimini | Lime |
| Rome | Bird, Dott, Lime, Link, Tier, Voi |
| Palermo | Dott |
| Turin | Dott, Lime |
| Verona | Dott, Lime |
What are the costs?
To use a partial scooter you pay a starting rate and a rate per minute. These costs differ per provider.
On average you pay €1 to unlock a scooter. You then pay €0.15 per minute for use. So you pay €3.25.
Tip: take advantage of free rides
Most providers offer the option to share a ‘referral code’ with someone via their app. This personal code can be found in the app.
Are you going for a ride with two or more people? Then take advantage of free rides in the following way:
Example: Bird app
