Italy Clamps Down on E-Scooters with New Plate Rules, Sparking Fresh Debate in France

ROME — Italy is cracking down on electric scooters. The government has introduced strict new laws to curb reckless riding and cut down on traffic accidents. Under the new rules, every e-scooter owner must register their vehicle. They must also buy insurance.

The law applies to all electric scooters. Motor power does not matter. The government wants to hold riders accountable. Officials hope these measures will make it easier to identify people who break traffic laws.

A Surge in Traffic Injuries and Fatalities

The decision follows a sharp increase in accidents across Italy. The country has seen a massive rise in e-scooter crashes over the past five years. Official data highlights the growing danger on public roads.

Annual Accidents: Crashes jumped from under 600 per year to nearly 4,000.

Fatalities: Annual deaths rose from just one to 21 over the same period.

Italian authorities state that the old rules failed to protect the public. Many riders operated their vehicles carelessly because they felt anonymous.

How the New Registration System Works

The new Italian system connects the vehicle directly to the owner. The registration number belongs to the person, not the scooter itself. If someone commits an infraction, the registered owner faces the penalty. This rule applies even if another person was riding the scooter at the time of the offense.

The registration process takes place entirely online. Owners submit their details to the transport authorities. In return, they receive a laminated sticker. The sticker displays six alphanumeric characters, and the material resists forgery.

Owners must place the sticker where police can easily see it. The rear fender is the preferred location. If the scooter lacks a rear fender, the owner can place the sticker on the handlebars.

The entire process is relatively inexpensive. The total cost ranges between €33 and €38.

This price includes all administrative fees and the physical sticker.

Penalty Notice: Riders who fail to register their scooters face heavy fines. The penalties range from €100 to €400. In severe cases, police have the power to impound the vehicle immediately.

The Policy Debate Spreads to France

Italy's strict approach has reignited political debates in neighboring France. The two countries handle micro-mobility differently, but both face similar safety challenges.

France already requires e-scooter riders to carry third-party liability insurance. This insurance covers any damage caused to other people. However, France does not require license plates for standard e-scooters. French law caps the speed of these devices at 25 km/h. If a scooter goes faster, the law treats it as a moped. Mopeds in France must have registration plates and follow stricter road rules.

Supporters of the Italian model want France to adopt license plates too. They argue that plates will help police catch riders who illegally modify their scooters to go faster. Plates also make it easier to spot dangerous behavior.

Italy hopes its new policy will successfully cut accident rates. The government wants to treat e-scooters like any other motor vehicle on the road. Time will tell if these plates truly make European streets safer.

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