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For the trade association, the new rules are not compatible with reality. «It is not possible to attach a helmet to a scooter». The withdrawal of vehicles from the roads is hypothesized
The new Highway Code wanted by the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini became law after approval by the Senate with 83 in favor and 47 against. In general, the new system of rules has generated a lot of criticism within public opinion and, in particular, among associations that deal in various capacities with alternative mobility to that considered difficult, i.e. with cars or motorbikes. Not only that, many doubts are emerging, after the approval, regarding the treatment of those who are found driving positive for drug use, even if the tests detect their presence even days later and therefore without any longer an effect on the abilities of whoever is driving.
However, returning to the light mode, the controversy has focused heavily on the new rules relating to scooters. The vehicles must have direction indicators and brakes on both wheels. They will no longer be able to travel outside urban centres, on extra-urban roads and in tunnels. The maximum speed allowed drops to 20 km/h, to 6 km/h in pedestrian areas. In addition to this, however, the scooters must have a license plate or identification code, car liability insurance and whoever drives them must have a helmet.
The doubts of the sector associations
These new rules are considered by Assosharing – the trade association of the sharing mobility sector – as rules created for propaganda reasons, which have not listened to the opinions expressed by the category itself in recent years and have gone towards a further complication of the existing legislation.
Furthermore, these rules are “inapplicable” explains Andrea Giaretta, general manager of Dott for Italy and vice-president of Assosharing. For example, the obligation to use a helmet is difficult to implement: “It is not possible to attach a helmet to a scooter and a top case would unbalance the balance of the vehicle too much – furthermore – we cannot imagine American tourists coming with a helmet” he says again Giaretta, according to whom the risk is that such a restrictive increase in regulation could only have the effect of discouraging the use of these means or causing users to move towards the use of means that are not compliant with the law.
Then there is the problem of insurance, which among other things clashes with a ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union which provides that electric bicycles traveling below 20 km/h are not required to have third party insurance. In Italy, bicycles with pedal assistance are considered as bicycles and, from 2020, electric scooters can also be assimilated to bicycles and are therefore comparable to electric bicycles in relation to the need for insurance, explains Assosharing. Furthermore, sharing companies already have insurance included in the price of the vehicles linked to the users and the introduction of compulsory insurance would make the cost equal to “ten times as much, which would be passed on to the users and would discourage use” , says Giaretta.
For now, the companies do not foresee a withdrawal of the vehicles because the implementing decrees of these new rules are still missing, which, says Giaretta, “must clash with reality, in which they are inapplicable”. In the meantime, however, the risk is the creation of a climate of great confusion which does not bring benefits to the sector and consequently to alternative modes of transport to the car.
The possible effects on “soft mobility”
However, if the rules were to be effectively applied, with an effect on the methods of use (with a helmet) and on costs, and scooters were to actually be withdrawn from the Italian market – or remain minimally – what would be the effect on the so-called “soft mobility ”?
According to the most recent data from the National Council for Economy and Labor (Cnel), released last November 9thout of 100 average trips on weekdays, only 4.1 percent are made by bicycle and other micro-mobility systems. The most used means of transport is the car, which covers 66.3 percent of the total, followed by walking (18 percent), public transport (7.4 percent) and motorbikes (4.1 percent). ). We therefore see that micro-mobility is already a mode not favored by Italians. Within the sharing market, in 2023, scooters represent the largest share of rentals and the second means of transport with which the most kilometers are travelled, after cars, even if compared to 2022 there was a greater increase in kilometers travelled. with bicycles also due to the reduction in the scooter fleet (the data is contained in the latest report Sharing mobility of the Foundation for Sustainable Development).
Furthermore, from an economic point of view, the sector records a total turnover in 2023 of 178 million euros. Of these, the largest share is carried by scooters (36 percent), above cars (34 percent). A possible withdrawal or reduction of sharing scooters could therefore lead to a significant compromise in the economy of the sector. Consequently, beyond the economic interests of private companies, this would probably severely limit the offer of micro-mobility for citizens, which would hardly be compensated by the introduction of more bicycles in the event of drastic drops in economic income.
Not to mention that a complication of regulation and a significant increase in costs could also discourage citizens from purchasing and using private scooters.
**How do the requirement for helmets and increased insurance obligations align with the goals of making scooter sharing accessible and affordable for a wide range of users?**
## World Today News Interview: The Future of Scooters in Italy?
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News! We’re diving deep into the controversy surrounding the new Highway Code in Italy, specifically the impact on electric scooter usage. Joining us today are Andrea Giaretta, Vice President of Assosharing and General Manager of Dott for Italy, and a representative from a pro-sustainable transportation advocacy group.
**Part 1: The New Rules – Realistic or Restrictive?**
* **Andrea, Assosharing has called these new rules “inapplicable.” Can you elaborate on the specific challenges these regulations pose for scooter sharing companies?** (Focus on the helmet requirement, insurance obligations, and the overall feasibility of implementation).
* **From an environmental and sustainability perspective, how do these changes to scooter regulations align with the goals of reducing car dependency and promoting greener modes of transportation?** (Encourage the advocacy group representative to weigh in on the potential impact on “soft mobility.”)
**Part 2: Impact on Users and Businesses**
* **How do you anticipate these changes will affect scooter ridership? Will the increased costs and regulations deter people from using scooters?**
* **Andrea, you mentioned the risk of discouraging scooter use, potentially leading to users resorting to less-regulated transportation methods. Can you elaborate on this concern?**
* **What strategies are scooter sharing companies considering to adapt to these new regulations, and how might these adaptations impact the cost and accessibility of scooter rentals?**
* **From the perspective of sustainable transportation advocates, what are your recommendations for finding a balance between safety regulations and encouraging the use of eco-friendly transportation options?**
**Part 3: The Future Landscape**
* **Looking ahead, how do you envision the landscape of micro-mobility in Italy evolving in the face of these new regulations?** (Encourage both guests to offer their perspectives on the future of scooters and other micro-mobility solutions).
* **What lessons can be learned from other countries that have implemented similar regulations for scooters, and how can Italy benefit from their experiences?**
**Conclusion:**
This has been a fascinating discussion on the complex issues surrounding Italy’s new scooter regulations. We thank our guests for sharing their insights and perspectives on this rapidly evolving landscape. As these regulations take effect, we’ll continue to monitor their impact on scooter usage, the sharing economy, and the broader push for sustainable transportation in Italy.
