Renting a Vespa in Italy: what you need to know Before You Ride

Bill Bryson explained it very nicely in his book Neither Here Nor There, Travels In Europe about how we park in Italy. But if parking is a wild experience, driving is a mystic experience too.

Above all, if you want to rent a Vespa in Italy to soak up la dolce vita, join most popular Italian attractions or just simply avoid terrific traffic from Rome to the Costiera Amalfitana, here's what all you need to know.

Ok, driving in the Bealpaese can be chaotic, but the idea of ​​renting a Vespa in Italy remains so appealing. Before you hop on the Italian scooter, there are a few essentials every rider should know and rental tips including awareness of local road rules and a realistic assessment of your driving skills to document.

It takes just a little preparation: make sure you know the basics, rules, and documents for a carefree Vespa adventure worthy of Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.

It dipends. Let's start to say that you can’t drive without a licence and have some rental. If you want to rent a Vespa and it is about 125cc, your car driving licence is ok. But pay attention, if you want to drive your more powerful scooters a motorcycle license is required.

In addition, you need to have an international driver's license if it is non-EU.

Good to know: some rental companies may allow beginners to drive a Vespa, but many expect at least basic scooter familiarity. 

If you are asking What documents do I need to rent a Vespa in Italy? The answer would be driving licence. And that’s correct but typically, you’ll need also:

- An International Driving Permit if your license is non-EU, including american one
- A passport or identity card
- Credit card for the deposit
- Some Vespa rental companies ask for a debit card.

Tip: maybe you would be excited about driving your Vespa, but before you start check mirrors and take photos to avoid dispute about any existing damage.

In most cities and in the historical centers there are some limited driving areas that you can recognise thanks to the words ZTL or Zona Traffico Limitato (limited zone traffic). 

There are some areas in the city where you can’t go.

Familiarize yourself with Italian road rules: note no right turn on red and yield practices at roundabouts! 

Or, you can do some research and get inspired. One example is our secret itinerary for a Vespa tour of Naples through the city's four most iconic neighborhoods.

Another aspect you might not expect from Vespa rental advice in Italy is that most operators require drivers to be at least 18 years old, primarily because that's the minimum age to obtain a driver's license.

Passengers may have different minimum requirements: for example minors must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age for passengers is often around 7.

Yes, safety is first. It is the priority. And if you are worrying a bit about the idea of driving, what safety precautions should you take? 

1. Take driving Vespa lessons in Italy if you feel insecure about how it works. Or before going in Italy, think about taking some driving lessons with a scooter
2. Wear shoes, flip-flops are a no-go 
3. Avoid big cities because they are crowded
4. Don’t drive Vespa in autostrada (the highway) if you are insecure,   
5. Rent your Vespa in a calm place. No, not Rome, Naples or Costiera Amalfitana. 

But if the idea of going around on a Vespa in a big cities would be amazing and you are scared to drive or you feel uncomfortable, check out guided Vespa Tour.

Do I need an international driver’s license?

Yes, if you are not in the EU.

Vespas are relatively slow, so it's not dangerous. But you have to pay attention when driving on the streets in the city as always.  

Yes, because some rental companies does. But you can drive and have a driving licence. 

Your driving licence, credit or debit card to pay renting.

Typically 18+ to rent, passengers may need to be at least 7, with adult supervision.

Wear helmet, shoes, check the scooter, check road rules, start in calm areas. 

It depends on the city, rental duration but the range is from €45 to €100 per day. Guided Vespa Tour in Tuscany with lunch or wine tasting can be from 100 to € 220 €.