New regulations are coming into force in Italy for e-scooters, which are to be more strictly regulated in future. With a decree that is to be published in the Official Gazette in the next two weeks, the Ministry of Transport is introducing a license plate requirement for electric scooters for the first time. The country is thus implementing a further component of its reforms in the area of micromobility, which are aimed at improving safety and order in urban traffic.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport describes the new measures as a "step towards safer and better organized urban mobility". In addition to the mandatory labeling, the main innovations also concern the helmet requirement, which in future will apply to all e-scooter riders and no longer just to minors.
The planned license plate consists of three letters and three numbers arranged on two lines. It is affixed to a special, non-removable plastic film and must be visibly and permanently attached to the vehicle. It is intended to be placed either on the rear mudguard or, if there is no device there, on the steering column. The label must be between 20 centimeters and 1.20 meters above the ground to ensure legibility. The plate also bears the inscription "M.E.F." and the emblem of the Italian Republic.
It is interesting to note that the license plates are supposed to be personal. This means that they will be assigned to a specific person and not to an individual vehicle. In this way, the ministry wants to eliminate the anonymity that has been widespread in the use of electric scooters to date. According to the authorities, this anonymity has meant that road traffic violations often go unpunished and electric scooters are increasingly involved in traffic accidents.
The costs for the new system have not yet been determined. However, the Ministry of Transport emphasizes that the prices should remain "affordable" for users. The ministry is currently in talks with the state printing company and mint to determine the production and distribution costs.
