Legal Electric Scooters in Italy 2025: Everything You Need to Know
The rules covering electric scooters in Italy keep evolving. In 2025, after several amendments to the Highway Code, they are clearer — but also stricter than in the early years of the scooter boom. Here's a complete, up-to-date guide.
The basic legislation: the Italian Highway Code
In Italy, electric scooters are classified as personal electric mobility vehicles (VPME) and are regulated by Legislative Decree 285/1992 (the Highway Code), as amended by Law 156/2021 and subsequent updates.
Technical requirements for the vehicle
To be ridden legally on public roads, a scooter must meet these parameters:
- Top speed: 25 km/h on ordinary roads, 6 km/h in pedestrian areas
- Motor power: 500W nominal maximum
- Width: 50 cm maximum
- Lights: a white front light and a red rear light are required (steady or flashing)
- Brakes: at least one front and one rear brake
- Bell or horn: required
Riding rules
Where you can ride
- ✅ Cycle lanes
- ✅ Roads with a 30 km/h limit or lower
- ✅ Zone 30 areas
- ✅ Pedestrian areas (at 6 km/h)
- ❌ Motorways and main extra-urban roads
- ❌ Pavements (unless the municipality specifically allows it)
- ❌ ZTL restricted traffic zones (unless specifically authorised)
Helmet requirement
A helmet is required for riders under 18. For adults it is strongly recommended but not required under national law (some municipalities may impose a local requirement).
Minimum age
The minimum age to ride an electric scooter on public roads is 14.
Key prohibitions
- Carrying passengers is not allowed
- Using your phone while riding is not allowed
- Riding while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs is not allowed
- Towing vehicles or objects is not allowed
Licence and insurance
In 2025, for privately owned scooters:
- Driving licence: not required
- Third-party insurance: not mandatory for private owners (but recommended)
- Number plate: not mandatory for private owners
Note: the rules for scooter-sharing rental services are different and stricter.
Fines
| Offence | Fine |
|---|---|
| Riding faster than 25 km/h | €100 - €400 + seizure |
| Riding on the pavement | €50 - €200 |
| No lights at night | €26 - €102 |
| Minor riding without a helmet | €50 - €200 (charged to the parents) |
Local by-laws
Many Italian municipalities have introduced stricter local regulations. Always check the specific rules where you live, especially regarding:
- Areas where riding is banned
- Zones with a lower speed limit
- Specific parking rules
For technical information about your Segway Ninebot scooter, visit our dedicated section.