Learn all you need to know about scooters in Rome, including: how to rent, current rules, costs, safety tips, and where to ride around the Eternal City.
Electric Scooters on Sidewalk in Rome, Italy
There is a very wide variety of electric scooters (e-scooters) available for rent in Rome. They are scattered all over the city, on the sidewalks, in the parks and in the streets. I can only speak to my experiences in the historical center (Centro Storico), but I understand that they are also in the more suburban parts of the city.
Electric Scooters In Rome
I know these are important additions to the city, and I don’t want to be negative for the sake of being negative, but as a resident, I’m not a big fan of these e-scooters. They are basically an obstacle course for those of us who walk down the sidewalk.
My preference would be something like the bike rentals that have an organized rack from which to rent and return when done. This is better aesthetically, but I realize it isn’t practical for the way that e-scooters are used.
The city of Rome promotes its use by publishing a guide, but I can’t help but notice that in the accompanying picture all the e-scooters, and an e-bike, are nicely lined up on a piazza with plenty of room. This hasn’t been my reality. As of 2023, there are new rules for electric scooters.
Where Did Scooters In Rome Come From?
The guide I mentioned above was published in the summer of 2020 and they mention that there are 3000 e-scooters all over the “streets” of Rome. At the time there were three operators in the city, Dott, Lime and Bird. All over the streets of Rome appeared an army (what is the collective term, flock, gaggle, murder?) of different types of e-scooters, known in Italian as “monopattino“.
Presumably, since the timing of the launch of the e-scooters aligns with the pandemic, the explosion of e-scooters in Rome is due to the reluctance to use public transportation, although the timing might be coincidental because e-scooters were growing in the United States prior to March 13, 2020 (i.e. Black Friday).
How Are Rome Scooters Done?
If you want to put your life in your hands (just kidding) and rent an e-scooter, here are the steps. I’ve generalized them for any operator since they all basically operate in the same way:
Download the operator’s app. E-scooters can only be rented using the app specific to the operator (i.e. the owner) of the e-scooter.
Register with the app. Typically this means that you will need to provide your name, email address, phone number, and address (home and billing address for your credit card). You’ll need to then verify all of this information.
Select the e-scooter and use the operator’s app to scan the QR code.
At this point you should be able to ride the e-scooter, but be sure to take caution. Even though I believe it is prudent, it is rare to see anyone wearing a helmet on an e-scooter. It is also common to see people riding them alongside buses and cars, on sidewalks even though it’s prohibited and carrying another passenger.
Lime Scooters on Sidewalk in Rome, Italy.
Rules For E-Scooters In Rome
When you are done with it, the e-scooter should be parked off the road. As I mentioned before, this typically means on the sidewalk. Please be considerate of those that live in Rome and leave them in a position that is as unobtrusive as possible.
How Much Are Scooters In Rome?
This is so variable that I don’t see the value in detailing it. There is an unlock fee, a per minute fee and some have minimum rental times. Check the operator’s app to see the current pricing as it can change.
Do I Need A Driver’s License To Rent Scooters In Rome?
No, because these are electric motors, no driver’s license is required. Some operators have a minimum age limit, either 14 or 18, but without a license I don’t see how that can be enforced. Roma Mobilità notes that only users over 18 can register.
Is Rome Safe for Scooters?
In my opinion, no. Given the traffic, road conditions, driver’s temperament, buses and cobblestones, I don’t think I will ever rent one, no matter how convenient. I agree they look fun, but I’ve heard enough horror stories to know that walking, taking buses and riding subways are right for me.
New national-level rules are coming or have come in: Italy is enforcing helmet use and third-party insurance.
Many users (and local commentary) report risk due to cobblestones, chaotic traffic, and uneven roads.
There’s a backlash about “wild parking” and irresponsible use.
Contrary to the reputation of the city of Rome, there are rules about these e-scooters from the Municipality:
These means of transport, equivalent to bicycles, can only circulate on urban roads where there is a limit of 50 km/h and which are not already banned for two pedal wheels, and to be used on bike lanes whenever available. The maximum speed allowed is 25 km/h, reduced to 6 km/h in pedestrian areas; it is mandatory to make yourself visible in the evening and when the lighting is poor.
Both hands must be free and hold the handlebars, except when it is necessary to signal that you are turning. It is forbidden to carry other people or objects. Also, keep to the right and never go side-by-side. Never tow or be towed. The sidewalks are for pedestrians only.
The same applies as in article 182 of the Highway Code referring to bicycles, specifies that “Cyclists must push the vehicle by hand when, due to traffic conditions, they are in the way or endangering pedestrians. In such cases they are treated as pedestrians and must use common diligence and prudence”.
That is very optimistic, but I can assure you that there is no shortage of people riding on the sidewalks, both with e-scooters and e-bikes. I’d like to see the city enforce these rules, but I doubt that will happen any time soon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scooters In Rome
Here are some FAQs that are relevant to both tourists and locals about scooter rentals and riding in Rome:
Are Electric Scooters (Monopattini) Legal To Rent In Rome? – Yes they are.
Which Companies Operate Scooter Sharing Services In Rome? – In the last couple of years there were three operators in Rome, Dott, Lime and Bird, but Lime does seem to currently be the dominant provider.
How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Scooter In Rome? – The costs vary widely, but to simplify: There is an unlock fee, a per minute fee and some have minimum rental times. Check the operator’s app to see the current pricing as it can change.
What Are The Current Speed Limits For Electric Scooters In Rome? – The maximum speed allowed is 25 km/h, reduced to 6 km/h in pedestrian areas.
Can I Ride A Scooter In Pedestrian Areas In Rome? – Yes, but in the street only, not on the sidewalk.
Do I Need A License To Rent Or Ride An Electric Scooter In Rome? – No, because these are electric motors, no driver’s license is required.
What Age Do You Have To Be To Use A Scooter Rental App In Rome? – Some operators have a minimum age limit, either 14 or 18.
Is It Safe To Ride A Scooter In Rome, Considering The Roads And Traffic? – In my opinion, no. Given the traffic, road conditions, driver’s temperament, buses and cobblestones, I don’t think they are a safe mode of transportation.
What Documents Or Id Do I Need To Register For A Scooter-Sharing App In Rome? – No documents are needed. Simply download the operator’s app, register and you’re on your way.
If you have your heart set on scooters in Rome, don’t let my negativity dissuade you. You are the author of your own destiny, so the decision to rent a scooter in Rome is totally up to you. You won’t be alone as it’s a popular way to get around, but please be safe.
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