Italy introduces mandatory insurance for e-scooters

Italy is set to implement a mandatory liability insurance requirement for e-scooters beginning this Thursday, a move expected to impact around one million users across the country. This new regulation mandates that all e-scooter riders obtain insurance to cover damages they might inflict on third parties while operating their vehicles.

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The insurance must contain the identification code of the respective electric scooter and is therefore vehicle-related.

The required insurance policy is designed to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicle owners from harm or property damage caused by e-scooters. Riders who fail to secure the necessary insurance will face penalties, with fines ranging from 100 to 400 Euros. The insurance is vehicle-specific, linked to the e-scooter's identification code, and the annual premium for basic coverage is estimated to be between 35 and 55 Euros, potentially rising to 150 Euros with additional benefits.

Consumer advocacy group Assoutenti estimates that this new insurance obligation will add approximately 50 million Euros in annual costs for e-scooter owners. However, Assoutenti's president, Gabriele Melluso, has voiced criticism regarding the enforcement of traffic regulations. He pointed out that while new insurance mandates are being introduced, fundamental rules like helmet use and the prohibition of riding with a passenger are often poorly enforced in many Italian cities.

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Although new legal obligations are being introduced, fundamental regulations of the Road Traffic Act such as the helmet requirement or the prohibition of using electric scooters in pairs are hardly monitored in many cities.

Melluso also urged the Italian government to prevent potential price gouging by insurance providers. The number of e-scooters has surged in Italy in recent years, becoming a popular mode of transport for exploring cities like Rome and Florence. Italy already mandated helmet use for e-scooters at the end of 2024.

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We call on the Italian government to prevent price increases in insurance offers.