Italy imposes compulsory registration plates for e-scooters.
Electric scooter owners in Italy face a deadline of 16 May to affix an official identification plate to their vehicles, as new road safety regulations come into force.
However concerns have emerged that many owners may be unable to comply in time due to an overwhelming volume of applications.
New rules
Under legislation passed in December 2019, owners of electric scooters are required to fit an adhesive identification plate (contrassegno identificativo) to their vehicle, hold third-party liability insurance, and wear a helmet. The helmet requirement entered into force in December 2024.
The identification plates are produced by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (Italy’s state mint) with an adhesive plastic backing, incorporating high-resistance materials and anti-counterfeiting technology.
Each plate carries a unique alphanumeric code and the seal of the Italian Republic.
How to register
To obtain the plate, owners must submit a request via the Portale dell’Automobilista website, or use a licensed vehicle registration agency.
Applicants must upload a copy of a valid identification document, while Non-EU citizens are also required to upload a copy of either their residence permit.
For minors, the application must be submitted and signed by the person with parental responsibility for the minor, attaching a photocopy of their identification document.
Once the request is submitted and a confirmation email received, the owner must book an appointment at their local provincial vehicle licensing office (Motorizzazione) to collect the plate in person.
It must then be affixed visibly and permanently to the rear mudguard or, where there is none, to the steering column.
If handling the process independently, the total cost is approximately €35, covering production costs, VAT, revenue stamp and licencing fees. Using an agency costs around €80, though this varies by operator.
Risk of delays
The consumer association Assoutenti has warned that many owners risk not receiving their plate before the deadline due to the high volume of applications, and has called on the ministry of infrastructure and transport (MIT) to clarify whether those who have already applied but are still awaiting their plate may continue riding without facing a fine.
Appointment slots at licencing offices are reported to be fully booked before the deadline, with ministry sources saying they have no evidence of structural problems with the booking system – yet no slots are available before 16 May.
Operating e-scooters without the plate from 16 May carries a fine of between €100 and €400.
Insurance
The deadline for compulsory third-party liability insurance, originally set alongside the plate requirement for 16 May, has been pushed back by two months to 16 July, following a request from ANIA, the national insurers’ association.
For full information about registration plates for e-scooters, see the transport ministry’s Q&A section.
Photo credit: Karolis Kavolelis / Shutterstock.com
