Know Before You Go: Renting a Vespa in Italy

Italy’s traffic may seem chaotic, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t strict laws governing the roads. Only licensed drivers can rent a basic 125cc Vespa scooter, and more powerful scooters require a motorcycle license.

“Licensed” means you must have a valid driver’s license from your home country plus an international license, officially known as an International Driving Permit (IDP). You must be at least 18 to be issued an IDP, so the minimum age for Vespa scooter rentals is also 18.

Did you know?: Italians can obtain a license to drive a 50cc scooter at the tender age of 14 and a 125cc scooter at 16.

Most Vespa rental companies require that drivers have a minimum amount of experience with a scooter before hitting the road. If you’re looking forward to a Vespa adventure in Italy, rent a scooter close to home a few times in advance of your trip to get the hang of driving and parking before renting in Italy.

Novices may prefer to opt for rentals in less-congested areas, such as the Umbrian countryside or the quiet coastline of Salento, instead of Rome’s hectic traffic or the Amalfi Coast’s hairpin curves. You should also spend a few minutes familiarizing yourself with common Italian road signs and road rules, as things may be different than what you’re used to in your home country.

Insider tip: In Italy, it’s illegal to make a right turn on red, and vehicles on a roundabout have the right-of-way over vehicles entering.

Expect to pay less than €20 for an hourly rental and up to €100 for a full day, including your helmet and insurance. Fuel isn’t usually included, and you’ll typically be required to preauthorize a charge of up to €500 on your credit card as a security deposit.

If you’re unsure whether exploring by Vespa is for you, try a short, hour-long rental before going all-in on a full day. Most Vespa rentals offer hourly rates, half-day rates, full-day rates, and even multiple-day rates, but usually, Vespas are generally an affordable mode of transportation.

Did you know?: The first Vespas were created from former World War II aircraft.

It’s fun to ride a Vespa in Italy, whether it’s on your own or with a passenger but keep in mind that the scooter is a bit more of a challenge to maneuver if there are two people on board.

If you’re an experienced driver, go ahead and have a friend hop on for the ride. If you and your group are new to the Vespa game, it’s better to opt to ride alone and have each person in your group rent their scooter. It may be more expensive, but it’ll be safer and more fun for everyone. Traveling families should be aware that there is a minimum age (five years old) rule and a height requirement for Vespa passengers, so not all kids will be able to ride.

Rental Vespas get a lot of wear and tear. Take a few minutes to check your vehicle before you ride off to avoid charges for scratches and dents you didn’t cause. Ensure that both mirrors are attached, and everything looks as it should. Call any pre-existing damage to the attention of the rental agent (take a photo with your smartphone just in case), and confirm how fuel refill works.

You don’t need to be a seasoned driver to experience the thrill of exploring Italy by Vespa. There are a wide variety of Vespa tours that include a driver, so you can hop on as a passenger and focus on the view rather than navigating traffic.

Besides being safer and stress-free, these types of tours are led by specialized local guides, so you can combine a sightseeing or foodie itinerary with an authentic Italian Vespa adventure.

Whether driving or riding as a passenger, you need to wear a helmet. Italy has very strict helmet laws, and all Vespa users are required to wear an approved helmet. Luckily, Vespa rentals generally include the use of a helmet for the duration of the rental, so you don’t need to pack one.

You should, however, pack comfortable, loose clothing to make it easier to get on and off your scooter and closed shoes or sandals with a back strap that stays securely on your feet. Avoid flip-flops, high heels, long scarves, or flowy skirts that can get caught in the wheels. Wearing a purse or shoulder bag may make it difficult to drive, too.

Insider tip: Don’t forget to ensure your helmet fits properly and that the chin strap closes securely before zipping off into the sunset.

Both drivers and passengers need a full range of motion to hop on and off a Vespa, and to be safely balanced on the scooter while it’s in motion. Vespas are famously loud—their buzzing is why they are called “wasps” in Italian—so they can also be a challenge for travelers with hearing impairment or Decreased Sound Tolerance, and for those with visual impairment who need to be able to follow the guide commentary while on board.

• What happens in case of a breakdown or emergency? Rental agencies typically provide roadside assistance in case of a breakdown. Make sure to have the contact information, a phone you can use to make local calls, and follow their instructions in case of an emergency.
• Are there restrictions on where I can ride a Vespa? Some Vespa rental agencies may have specific restrictions on where you can take the scooter. Ensure you are aware of any limitations or prohibited areas before embarking on your journey.
• Do I need insurance when renting a Vespa? Yes, it's advisable to have insurance. Rental agencies often provide basic insurance coverage, but you may also consider additional coverage for comprehensive protection. It's a good idea to check with your own insurance agency before leaving for Italy to see if, and how much, you are covered.