Electric Scooter Rules in Italy 2026: ID Plate, Insurance and Helmet Explained

Italy has rewritten the rulebook for private electric scooters over the last two years. If you ride in Italy in 2026, three obligations now apply: a helmet for riders of all ages (since 14 December 2024), an identification plate — the contrassegno identificativo, commonly called the "targhino" (since 16 May 2026) — and third-party liability insurance (since 16 July 2026). Fines for non-compliance range from €50 to €800 and can be issued together on a single report.

This guide summarises exactly what you must do, what it costs, and what you risk if you ride without complying, based on the official sources cited at the end of the article.

Is a Helmet Mandatory? For Whom?

Yes. Since 14 December 2024, under Article 14 of Law No. 177/2024 (the reform of the Italian Highway Code), a helmet is mandatory for all electric scooter riders, with no age limit. It must comply with the UNI EN 1078 or EN 1080 standards — a normal bicycle or skateboard helmet is acceptable. Riding without a helmet carries a fine of €50 to €250.

Do You Need an ID Plate for an Electric Scooter?

Yes. From 16 May 2026, the identification plate is mandatory for all private electric scooters ridden on public roads. Some official sources indicate 17 May as the operative start date; in any case, from the second half of May 2026 the obligation is fully in force (ACI).

Key points about the targhino

• The plate is tied to the owner's fiscal code, not to the individual vehicle: if you change scooters, you can move it to the new one.
• How to apply: online on the Portale dell'Automobilista with SPID level 2 or CIE, or through an accredited motor-vehicle agency (ACI or a practiche auto office) if you do not have SPID/CIE.
• Cost: roughly €8.66 base amount + €16 stamp duty + administrative fees, for an indicative total of about €33, payable through PagoPA.
• Where it goes: on the rear fender or, if there is none, on the front steering column, at a height between 20 cm and 1.20 m from the ground.
• Fine for riding without it: €100 to €400.

Is Third-Party Liability Insurance (RC) Mandatory?

Yes. From 16 July 2026, dedicated third-party liability insurance (RCA) is mandatory for electric scooters, linked to the code of the identification plate. The date was originally set for 16 May 2026 but was postponed by two months at the request of ANIA (the national insurance association) to allow technical integration between the ministerial platforms and insurance systems (MIT).

Key points about the insurance

• A generic family RC policy is not sufficient: you need a dedicated policy under Title X of the Italian Insurance Code, linked to the scooter's plate.
• Fine for riding without RC insurance: €100 to €400 (reduced to €70 if paid within 5 days).
• In the event of an accident, the direct-compensation procedure (CARD) is suspended for scooters: the injured party must deal directly with the insurer of the responsible rider.

Minimum Age and Driving Licence

The minimum age to ride an electric scooter in Italy is 14 years. No driving licence is required. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when applying for the targhino, and it is the parent/guardian who must take out the insurance policy.

Where Can You Ride an Electric Scooter in Italy?

• Allowed: urban roads open to traffic (20 km/h limit) and private areas with no stated limit.
• Pedestrian zones: allowed, but at walking pace — maximum 6 km/h.
• Banned: sidewalks and extra-urban roads — a fine of €50 to €250 applies to anyone caught riding there.

The scooter must have a speed limiter that can be set to 20 km/h (roads) and 6 km/h (pedestrian zones).

Technical Requirements for the Vehicle

To be road-legal, an electric scooter in Italy must have: CE marking, two independent brakes, a maximum continuous rated power of 500 W, turn indicators, front and rear lights, a bell audible at 30 metres and reflectors. A scooter with power above 1 kW or a combustion engine is subject to seizure and confiscation; a saddle with the seating surface more than 54 cm above the ground reclassifies the vehicle as an unregistered moped, with far more severe sanctions (€866–€3,464).

The fines are cumulative: a rider stopped without a plate, without a helmet and on a non-compliant vehicle can receive multiple charges on the same report.

Timeline of the New Rules (2024–2026)

Conclusion

Electric scooter rules in Italy changed profoundly between 2024 and 2026: riding today without a helmet, targhino and insurance exposes you to real, cumulative penalties. Before you buy or ride, check that you are compliant — and choose a model that meets the legal technical requirements (power, brakes, lights, turn indicators) from the outset.

FAQs

1. Do you need a plate for an electric scooter in Italy?

Yes. From 16 May 2026 the identification plate (contrassegno identificativo) is mandatory for all private electric scooters ridden on public roads, with a fine of €100 to €400 for riding without it.

2. Where do you get the scooter plate and insurance?

The plate is applied for online on the Portale dell'Automobilista (with SPID or CIE) or through motor-vehicle agencies/ACI. The RC insurance must be taken out with a company offering dedicated scooter policies, linked to the plate code.

3. How much can you be fined for missing plate or insurance?

€100 to €400 for a missing targhino and the same amount for missing RC insurance; the two fines can be added together if you lack both.

4. Is a helmet mandatory for adults too?

Yes. Since December 2024 a helmet has been mandatory for all riders, with no age limit, under Law No. 177/2024.

People also ask:

• Rome police checked 12,000 e-scooters — nearly 6,000 fines: Italy 2026
• Spain's VMP rules from 1 October 2026: registration and insurance explained
• Brussels bans shared e-scooters from 1 January 2027: what riders should know

Sources Cited in This Article

• ACI Gov – Monopattino elettrico: i nuovi obblighi
• MIT – Insurance obligation for scooters from 16 July
• Oz-O – Normativa Monopattini Elettrici 2026
• Polizia Locale – Insurance mandatory from 16 July, plate kept in May

About SUNNIGOO

SUNNIGOO is a European e-mobility brand and manufacturer serving riders across Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and beyond. We ship from EU warehouses in Germany, Poland and France with delivery in 3–7 working days, back every scooter and e-bike with a 2-year warranty on motor and frame, and operate a dedicated service centre in Messel, Germany. Our e-scooters are built to meet European standards including CE EN 17128, and our German-legal model carries ABE type approval — so you can choose a compliant vehicle from day one.