Italy’s Evolving E-Scooter Regulations: A Breakdown of Current Safety Mandates

As of 2024, Italy maintains strict national regulations governing the use of electric scooters, following significant legislative updates implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. While regional bodies have historically debated additional local restrictions—such as mandatory insurance, helmet requirements, and rider training—the national framework remains the primary authority for ensuring road safety and vehicle compliance.

What are the current national requirements for e-scooters in Italy?

According to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT), e-scooter operators must adhere to specific technical and safety standards to circulate on public roads. Since the implementation of recent national reforms, all e-scooters must feature:

• Direction Indicators: Turn signals are mandatory for all vehicles.
• Braking Systems: Scooters must be equipped with dual brakes on both wheels.
• Acoustic Warning Devices: A functional bell or horn is required.
• Lighting: Front and rear lights must be active during night hours and in conditions of low visibility.

The national law also caps the maximum speed at 20 km/h on roadways and 6 km/h in pedestrian areas. Additionally, riders under the age of 18 are legally required to wear a protective helmet.

Why is there debate over regional versus national oversight?

The push for stricter local mandates, such as those discussed in the Lombardy Regional Council, often stems from concerns regarding accident rates. According to data cited by the Lombardy Region, urban centers like Milan have recorded hundreds of emergency interventions related to e-scooter incidents since 2020. Local officials have argued that national laws are insufficient to protect both riders and pedestrians, proposing supplemental measures like mandatory insurance for all users and compulsory training courses for minors.

Conversely, critics—including members of the Movimento 5 Stelle—have characterized these regional proposals as politically motivated. They argue that creating a fragmented regulatory landscape complicates enforcement for local police and risks penalizing sustainable transit options without addressing infrastructure-level safety improvements.

How do current regulations impact insurance and rider liability?

While the national government has moved toward standardizing technical requirements, the issue of mandatory civil liability insurance remains a point of legislative evolution. Under current Italian law, e-scooters are categorized as vehicles, and the government has signaled a clear intent to align them with standard motor vehicle obligations. Riders are encouraged to verify their personal liability coverage, as many municipal rental contracts already include mandatory insurance premiums within their usage fees to mitigate risks for both the operator and third parties.

Summary of Key Safety Obligations

Moving forward, the Italian government continues to monitor accident statistics to determine if further amendments to the Highway Code (Codice della Strada) are necessary. Investors and users should prioritize platforms that provide fully compliant, CE-marked hardware, as local enforcement agencies in major hubs like Rome, Milan, and Turin continue to increase spot checks to ensure vehicle and rider compliance.