E-scooters in Italy 2026: Rules for tourists
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Riding an e-scooter through Florence, Pisa, or Lucca? It's possible – but Italy has significantly tightened the rules for e-scooters (Italian: monopattini elettrici). A new traffic code has been in effect since December 2024, and license plates and insurance will be mandatory in 2026. Here you'll find everything you need to know as a tourist (as of October 2026).
The most important rules at a glance
| Rule | What rules apply in Italy? |
|---|---|
| Helmet | Mandatory for all drivers, regardless of age |
| top speed | 20 km/h, 6 km/h in pedestrian zones designated for scooters |
| Where to go? | Within city limits on roads with a speed limit of up to 50 km/h and on cycle paths |
| Verboten | Sidewalks, roads outside built-up areas, driving against the direction of travel |
| License plate (contrassegno) | Mandatory since May 16, 2026 |
| Liability insurance | Mandatory since July 16, 2026 |
| Equipment | Brakes, front and rear lights, horn/bell, turn signals and brake lights |
| minimum age | 14 years |
| passengers | Forbidden – no people, animals or large objects |
| Parking | Not on sidewalks, only in designated areas. |
Helmets are mandatory for everyone
Previously, only minors were required to wear helmets in Italy. Since December 14, 2024, helmets have been mandatory for all e-scooter riders. Anyone caught without a helmet faces a fine of €50 to €250. Important for tourists: Rental scooters are generally rented without helmets – so bring your own or check the provider's app.
Where you are allowed to drive – and where you are not
E-scooters are permitted on roads within city limits where the speed limit is 50 km/h, as well as on cycle paths. Sidewalks are off-limits, as are roads outside of built-up areas – meaning that traveling from one town to another via rural roads is not allowed. Riding in pedestrian zones is only permitted if the municipality explicitly allows it, and then only at a maximum speed of 6 km/h (walking speed). In darkness, a high-visibility vest or reflective suspenders are mandatory.
Especially in the historic centers of Tuscany – such as Florence, Siena, or San Gimignano – pedestrian zones and traffic-calmed areas (ZTL) are common. Pay attention to the signs and the instructions in the rental company's app: Many rental scooters automatically slow down or stop when you enter a restricted zone.
License plates and insurance since 2026
Since May 16, 2026, e-scooters in Italy have required a license plate (contrassegno), and since July 16, 2026, they have also required liability insurance. Failure to provide a license plate or insurance can result in a fine of €100 to €400. A scooter that does not meet technical specifications can be fined between €200 and €800.
For rental scooters, the provider takes care of registration and insurance. However, anyone wanting to bring their own e-scooter from Germany should research the requirements thoroughly before traveling, for example with the ADAC (German Automobile Club): A German scooter typically lacks the Italian registration sticker and valid insurance for Italy, and often doesn't even have turn signals. In practice, renting is therefore the much simpler solution for tourists.
Differences compared to Germany
| Germany | Italy | |
|---|---|---|
| top speed | 20 km/h | 20 km/h |
| Helmet | recommended | mandatory |
| Bike paths | Yes, if applicable, it is mandatory. | allowed |
| roads, | permitted if no cycle path is available | only within city limits up to 50 km/h |
| Proof of insurance | insurance sticker | Sticker (contrassegno) plus liability insurance |
| minimum age | 14 years | 14 years |
| Alcohol limit | 0,5 | 0,5 |
Renting e-scooters in Tuscany
In larger cities like Florence or Pisa, there are sharing services that you unlock via app. Which providers are active in which city changes frequently – it's best to check locally using the relevant apps. The cost is usually around one euro to unlock the scooter, plus a per-minute charge; many providers also offer day or week passes. In smaller towns and rural areas, rental scooters are generally not available – you're better off using a bicycle or e-bike there.
Our tips for the journey
- Pack a helmet – it's mandatory and usually not provided when renting.
- Keep both hands on the handlebars and do not use your mobile phone while driving.
- Drive slowly on cobblestones in old towns – the small wheels slip easily.
- Only park the scooter in designated areas, not on the sidewalk.
- After wine and aperitivo, it's better to walk: The 0,5 per mille blood alcohol limit also applies to e-scooters.
Further information about driving in Italy can be found in our guide to the Italian traffic regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a helmet when riding an e-scooter in Italy?
Yes. Since December 2024, helmets have been mandatory for all drivers, including adults and tourists. Violations are punishable by fines of 50 to 250 euros.
Am I allowed to ride my e-scooter on the bike path?
Yes, cycle paths are allowed. Footpaths and roads outside of towns are prohibited.
Can I take my own e-scooter to Italy?
This is complicated: Since 2026, license plates and liability insurance have been mandatory in Italy, as well as turn signals and brake lights. Check before your trip whether and how this is possible for your scooter – for most tourists, a rental scooter is the easier option.
