The Italian government is considering introducing new measures to regulate the use of electric scooters, which have been either praised as the future of urban transport or criticized for being a menace on city streets. According to a draft of changes to Italy's transport code seen by Bloomberg, e-scooters will now require a registration plate and owners will have to purchase insurance to use public roads. Sharing services will also face increased red tape and restrictions, as the government seeks to crack down on traffic violations from e-scooter users.
The proposed new rules also require e-scooters to have turning indicators and for users to wear a helmet. However, plans to require license plates for bicycles do not appear in the draft. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini has promised to take a tough stance on e-scooter users who violate traffic laws, suggesting that he views the adoption of stricter rules as a necessary response to the growing popularity of the vehicles.
While e-scooters provide a non-polluting option for getting around cities, their rapid expansion has faced backlash in several European towns. Parisians recently voted to ban hiring services of e-scooters altogether from the city's streets. In Italy, the number of rental e-scooters on the streets has risen dramatically, with over 45,000 units in 2021, according to data from Osservatorio Sharing Mobility, an association backed by the state. The rise in the use of e-scooters can be attributed to their popularity as an alternative to public transport and due to the absence of cycling lanes in many Italian cities.
The proposed changes to the transport code are not just limited to e-scooters. The Italian government is also set to introduce harsher sanctions for drunk driving, including a lifetime ban, and stricter rules for young people who have just received their license. The changes come amid growing concern over investment in sustainable transport and safety on the country's roads.