Italy's electric scooter registration and insurance rule sees low uptake

A new Italian regulation that took effect on 16 July requires electric scooters to carry a licence plate and be covered by a liability insurance policy. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport estimates the private scooter fleet at 800,000‑1,000,000 units.

During a public consultation, data from the ministry and industry groups showed only about 160,000 plates have been issued, another 20,000 are pending, and roughly 60,000 scooters are insured – representing just 6 % to 7.5 % of the total fleet. Annual insurance premiums range from €90 to €250 per vehicle.

Consumer groups warn that the added costs are reducing the economic attractiveness of electric scooters, prompting some owners to abandon the devices.