On Wednesday, the Italian parliament finally approved a bill that introduces new requirements for electric scooter riders and increases penalties for improper parking.
According to Reuters, the bill was approved on November 20 in the upper house of parliament, the Senate, as part of broader road safety reforms. The aim of the changes is to establish clear rules for electric scooters, which became popular after the COVID-19 pandemic, as in other countries.
Under the new rules, scooter riders are required to wear helmets and have insurance. Electric scooters will also need to have license plates. Additionally, riders will be prohibited from riding in pedestrian zones, on rural roads and in bike lanes.
According to official statistics, in 2022, Italy saw over 2,900 accidents involving scooter riders, with 16 fatalities. In 2023, the number of injured increased to nearly 3,400, with 21 deaths.
