Safety risks rise as e‑scooters and bicycles ignore rules in Italian towns

In the historic centre of Bitonto, electric scooters and assisted‑by‑pedal bicycles are regularly ridden at high speed through pedestrian zones, squares and crowded evening streets. Drivers often ignore traffic‑code provisions, ride two people on a single scooter, use mobile phones while riding, run red lights or travel against traffic, creating a serious danger for vulnerable pedestrians such as children and the elderly.

Across Italian cities, a similar conflict exists over whether cyclists must use protected bike lanes. While designated cycle tracks are legally required for cyclists, many riders claim the right to use the road when it is more convenient. Police issue fines to those who ride on the street despite an available lane, but enforcement is hampered by the sheer number of vehicles and limited resources. The situation highlights a broader challenge of integrating sustainable micro‑mobility into urban environments while protecting public safety.