Italy is significantly tightening its regulations for e-scooters. Several Italian media outlets are currently reporting on new requirements concerning license plates, insurance, and helmets for so-called "monopattini elettrici". The backdrop is a rise in accident rates and growing problems in many cities. Especially in major metropolitan areas such as Milan and Rome, the debate over e-scooters had been intensifying steadily in recent months.
As La Repubblica reports, the new regulations are part of a broader reform of the highway code. The mobility portal L'Automobile of the Italian automobile club ACI also covers the new rules in detail.
License plates for e-scooters
Receiving particular attention at the moment is the introduction of an official identification plate for e-scooters. Italian media refer to it as a "targhino" or "contrassegno identificativo". This small plate will in future be required to be visibly affixed to the vehicle, making it possible to clearly link it to its owner.
According to information from Economy Magazine , the license plate requirement is set to take effect in May 2026. The portal La Mia Finanza also reports on the new rule, explaining that the authorities primarily want to use it to more easily identify riders after accidents or traffic violations .
Mandatory insurance and higher fines
In addition, liability insurance will become mandatory for e-scooters. However, Italian media are currently reporting differing start dates. While some regulations are expected to come into force as early as May, La Repubblicareported that the insurance requirement would be pushed back to July 2026.
According to Italian reports, riders without insurance or a license plate face fines of several hundred euros. The comparison portal Segugio also points to delays in the practical implementation and lists the planned requirements for license plates and insurance.
Helmet requirement for all riders
Italy is also taking a stricter approach to protective gear . Several Italian media outlets report that helmets will no longer be mandatory only for minors, but will in future apply to all riders.
As the Verbraucherzentrale Südtirol explains, only certain certified helmets will be permitted. In addition, many e-scooters will in future be required to meet higher technical standards, including turn signals and brakes on both wheels.
Scooters are part of Italy's urban landscape
With these new regulations, Italy is responding to the sharp increase in everyday e-scooter use. Especially in large cities such as Milan, Rome, and Turin, the vehicles have become a permanent fixture of the urban landscape. At the same time, however, debates over safety, accidents, and chaotically parked scooters have grown considerably.
The new rules are therefore intended to bring greater order and clearer accountability. Italy's goal is to integrate e-scooters more fully into the existing transportation system and to hold riders to a higher standard of responsibility. Alongside license plates and insurance, personal safety is also taking on a greater role, reflected in the expanded helmet requirement and stricter technical standards for the vehicles.
For tourists and expats in Italy, this topic is likely to become increasingly relevant. Anyone using an e-scooter should keep a close eye on the new regulations, as the authorities intend not only to introduce the rules but also to enforce them more consistently in many areas.