License Plates and Insurance for E-Scooters: Italy’s New Rules Aim to End Chaos on the Streets

Starting May 16, 2026, electric scooter riders in Italy will no longer be able to avoid the law. A new decree from the Director General of Motorization mandates that all privately owned e-scooters—those capable of speeds up to 25 km/h—must now display a license plate and be covered by third-party liability insurance. The move, part of Italy’s broader push to regulate personal mobility vehicles (PMVs), aims to curb the chaos of unregistered scooters clogging sidewalks and roads, reduce accidents, and bring clarity to a previously gray area of urban transport.

The new rules follow years of public frustration over the lack of oversight, with cities like Milan—where e-scooters have become a staple of daily commutes—leading the charge for stricter enforcement. The decree, published in the Official Journal on March 18, 2026, gives scooter owners 60 days to comply, meaning the license plate and insurance requirements officially capture effect this month. Failure to comply will result in fines ranging from €100 to €400, according to the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.

This shift is not just about paperwork. It’s a response to a growing problem: Italy’s streets have become a battleground between scooter riders, pedestrians, and city officials. In Milan alone, over 90,000 fines were issued during the 2026 Winter Olympics for violations on designated lanes, sparking legal battles and public outcry. Even as the city later annulled many of those fines, the underlying issue—unregulated scooter use—remained unresolved. Now, with the new rules, Milan and other Italian cities hope to bring order to the chaos.

But how will these changes perform in practice? And what do riders need to know to stay on the right side of the law?

The New Rules: License Plates and Insurance

From May 16, 2026, every privately owned e-scooter in Italy must display a license plate and be covered by third-party liability insurance. The license plate, costing €8.66 (including VAT and a road safety surcharge), will be issued through an online platform accessible via SPID (Italy’s national digital identity system) or an electronic ID card. Riders can apply for their plate, arrange pickup at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, or request cancellation in case of theft or loss.

The plate itself is not tied to the scooter but to the owner, linked via their tax code. It must be affixed to the rear fender or the front of the steering column. Meanwhile, insurance—mandated by Italy’s updated Highway Code—must cover damages to third parties, such as injuries to pedestrians or cyclists or collisions with other vehicles. Annual premiums vary, typically ranging from €25 to €150, depending on the policy and additional coverage.

“We hope that after mandatory scooter insurance comes into force, speculation and territorial discrimination will not be repeated, and that insurance premiums will be the same throughout Italy.”

Gabriele Melluso, President of Assoutenti

The push for uniformity in insurance costs reflects broader concerns about fairness. Currently, premiums differ across regions, with some areas charging significantly more than others. Advocates argue that since e-scooters pose similar risks nationwide, pricing should reflect that consistency.

Why This Matters: The Chaos on Italy’s Streets

Italy’s e-scooter boom has been both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, scooters offer a convenient, eco-friendly alternative to cars and public transport, especially in congested cities like Milan, Rome, and Turin. On the other, their unregulated use has led to a surge in accidents, sidewalk blockages, and conflicts with pedestrians and cyclists.

Data from the Italian Ministry of Health shows a 40% increase in e-scooter-related accidents between 2023 and 2025, with many incidents involving riders without helmets or insurance. In Milan alone, emergency rooms reported over 2,500 scooter-related injuries in 2025, many of which could have been mitigated with proper registration and insurance. The new rules aim to address these risks by ensuring accountability and traceability.

Cities like Paris and Madrid have already banned e-scooters entirely due to similar chaos, but Italy is taking a different approach: regulation rather than prohibition. By requiring license plates and insurance, authorities hope to strike a balance between safety and accessibility, ensuring that scooters remain a viable option for urban mobility without becoming a public nuisance.

How to Comply: A Step-by-Step Guide for Riders

For those who own e-scooters, the transition to compliance is straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Apply for a license plate: Use the online platform via SPID or electronic ID. The process is free, but the plate itself costs €8.66.
2. Pick up your plate: Arrange pickup at a DMV office or an authorized automotive consultancy firm.
3. Attach the plate: Secure it to the rear fender or the front of the steering column.
4. Purchase insurance: Obtain third-party liability coverage, which can be done through any authorized insurance provider in Italy.
5. Keep records: Store your license plate confirmation and insurance documents in case of inspections or accidents.

Riders should note that the license plate is owner-specific, not vehicle-specific. This means if you sell or transfer your scooter, you must cancel the plate and apply for a new one under the new owner’s tax code.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

The penalties for non-compliance are clear: fines ranging from €100 to €400. While the lower end of the scale may seem lenient, authorities are emphasizing that the goal is not just to penalize but to educate. Many riders have been unaware of the upcoming changes, and city officials are encouraging compliance through public awareness campaigns.

In Milan, for example, the city has already begun distributing informational flyers at scooter rental stations and through local transport apps. Meanwhile, police and municipal officers will be conducting spot checks to ensure adherence to the new rules.

“The goal is not to fine everyone but to ensure that scooters are used responsibly and safely. With license plates and insurance, People can track accountability and reduce the risks on our streets.”

Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport

Broader Implications: Italy’s Approach vs. Europe

Italy is not alone in grappling with e-scooter regulation. Across Europe, cities and countries are adopting varying approaches:

• Spain: Recently passed Law 5/2025 mandates insurance and registration for e-scooters over 25 kg, aligning with Italy’s new rules. The European Parliament has too raised questions about the compatibility of national regulations with EU law, particularly regarding the free movement of goods and services.
• Netherlands: Requires third-party insurance for e-scooters but does not mandate license plates, with annual premiums as low as €3 per month.
• France: Bans e-scooters on public roads entirely, citing safety concerns.
• Germany: Allows e-scooters up to 20 km/h without a license but requires helmets and registration for faster models.

Italy’s approach—balancing regulation with accessibility—reflects a middle ground. By requiring license plates and insurance but not outright bans, the government aims to maintain the benefits of e-scooters while mitigating their risks. This model could serve as a template for other European cities facing similar challenges.

What’s Next: Enforcement and Public Reaction

As of May 16, 2026, the focus will shift to enforcement. Municipalities across Italy are preparing for the rollout, with Milan leading the charge. The city has already announced plans to increase patrols in high-traffic areas and collaborate with insurance providers to streamline the compliance process.

Public reaction has been mixed. While some riders welcome the added safety measures, others express frustration over the additional costs and bureaucracy. Still, with fines for non-compliance now in effect, the message is clear: the era of unregulated e-scooter use is over.

For those who still have questions, the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has set up a dedicated helpline and online portal for further information. Local transport authorities in major cities are hosting informational sessions to guide riders through the new requirements.

Key Takeaways

• License plates and insurance for e-scooters become mandatory in Italy on May 16, 2026.
• Owners have until May 16 to comply; non-compliance results in fines of €100–€400.
• License plates cost €8.66 and are owner-specific, not vehicle-specific.
• Insurance premiums vary but typically range from €25 to €150 annually.
• Italy’s approach aims to balance safety and accessibility, avoiding outright bans seen in other European cities.
• Enforcement will initiate immediately, with increased patrols and public awareness campaigns.

As Italy takes this step toward regulating e-scooters, the broader question remains: Can stricter rules bring order to the streets without stifling the convenience and eco-friendliness that make scooters so popular? Only time—and compliance—will notify.

For the latest updates, visit the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport or your local municipal transport authority.

Share your thoughts: Will these new rules make your city’s streets safer? Or will they add unnecessary bureaucracy? Join the conversation below.