Italy Passes New E-Scooter Safety Laws

Italy's parliament has passed a new law requiring e-scooter riders to wear helmets, obtain insurance, and have license plates, amid rising safety concerns linked to increased e-scooter usage. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini emphasized that e-scooters will be banned from cycle lanes, pedestrian areas, and non-urban roads to mitigate accidents, which saw 3,365 injuries and 21 deaths in 2023, according to ISTAT. The legislation also introduces harsher penalties for drink driving and illegal parking, aiming to enhance road safety. Critics, including e-scooter rental companies, argue that the restrictions are overly punitive, citing existing technologies in their scooters that minimize risks. This move aligns with similar regulations adopted in other European cities like Paris and Madrid. Advocates maintain that e-scooters offer a pollution-free and economical transport alternative.