Highway Code

Scooters, from 14 December compulsory helmet, insurance, brakes and arrows: here are all the new rules

The implementation decrees are missing for the licence plate obligation. The novelties and sanctions explained by Chief Commissioner of the State Police Renzo Lenti

Codice della strada: ecco i nuovi obblighi per i monopattini dal 14 dicembre

3' min read

3' min read

What changes for those who ride an electric scooter? The new law on road safety amending the Highway Code introduces a number of important innovations concerning electric scooters, a means of micro electric mobility that is increasingly present in our cities. A green way of getting around independently that contributes to the ecological transition of cities, but which must now take into account a series of new obligations. In the video-interview dedicated to the changes in the Highway Code, we talk about this with Chief Commissioner of the State Police Renzo Lenti.

Codice della strada: le domande e le risposte degli esperti

What becomes necessary? And since when?

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The new provisions are aimed at improving the safety of scooter traffic and undoubtedly also serve to encourage a more correct use of scooters. The main changes are that the scooter must be fitted with an identification mark, a sort of number plate. Scooters will also have to be covered by third-party liability insurance. And there is also, for instance, the requirement to wear a helmet, which has been extended to all drivers, regardless of age. Until now, the obligation persisted only for minors. Also introduced, for example, is the obligation to equip the scooter with brakes on both wheels and also with indicators. These new provisions will be in force as of 14 December 2024, but not all of them, because, for instance, the identification mark is conditional on the issuing of regulations that will have to regulate its characteristics.

Let's talk about speed in Switzerland, in the canton of Ticino, specifically in Cles, a speed camera by Swiss agents pinched a young man on a scooter going 120 kilometres per hour. Now, of course without reaching these excesses. But how fast can scooters go in Italy, which we sometimes see whizzing past us?

Scooters in Italy, in addition to their many features, must also be equipped with a speed limiter. And in fact, scooters can circulate at a speed not exceeding six kilometres per hour when circulating in pedestrian areas and twenty kilometres per hour when circulating on other roads. This speed limiter, of course, must be adapted to the circumstances in which the scooter is travelling.

On which roads will scooters not be allowed?

The new regulations have restricted the area in which scooters can circulate. In fact, from 14 December 2024, they will only be able to circulate on urban roads with a speed limit of no more than 50 kilometres per hour. Previously, they could also circulate in suburban areas, albeit only on cycle paths or paths reserved for bicycles. This intervention seems to be acceptable, considering that the circulation of scooters in extra-urban areas is particularly dangerous.

Codice della strada: ecco i nuovi obblighi per i monopattini dal 14 dicembre

Can they access bicycle lanes or pedestrian areas?

Yes, of course, they can access them, the important thing is that they are naturally in the urban area, because there are cycle paths that are also outside the urban area. From 14 December, it will no longer be possible to go there.

Is it forbidden to drive on the wrong side of the road or park on pavements?

Of course, driving on the wrong side of the road is absolutely forbidden and there is a penalty. Circulating on pavements is also prohibited and parking on pavements is also not permitted, except in areas that are designated for this purpose, but must be identified by the municipalities. And to do this, among other things, the municipalities must also take into account the need to leave sufficient space for the free movement of pedestrians and, in particular, people with disabilities.

What sanctions are in place for those who do not comply with the rules as well?

In some cases, the legislator has tightened the penalties. A fine ranging from EUR 200 to EUR 800 is envisaged and applies in the case of scooters with characteristics that differ from those laid down. There is also provision for seizure for confiscation when the scooter has an engine with a power output of more than one kilowatt. There is also a fine ranging from EUR 100 to EUR 400, which applies in the event of a lack of insurance or in the event of a lack of identification markings. Of course when it becomes compulsory. And there is a final, lower penalty, ranging from 50 to 250 euros, which applies in many cases such as driving on the wrong side of the road, driving on pavements, driving without a helmet, driving at night without keeping your lights on, and so on.

For those who habitually use a scooter, therefore, a series of new rules to comply with from 14 December will be triggered, ranging from the helmet requirement to compulsory insurance, brakes and indicators. The plate, as we have seen, takes longer because implementation decrees are needed.

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