In modern cities, electric scooters have established themselves as icons of the evolution of urban mobility.
Source: https://www.prestoenergia.it/news/nuove-direttive-monopattini-elettrici/
However, the growing use of scooters has brought with it unexpected challenges. An increase in traffic accidents related to these vehicles has highlighted the urgent need for stricter regulation to ensure the safety of pedestrians and road users. This is because electric scooters are considered similar to bicycles in terms of road regulations.
Scooter drivers must respect the same rules as cyclists. This includes the use of the acoustic signal, respecting road signs and the obligation to wear a helmet for minors. Traffic is permitted on cycle paths, roads with a maximum speed limit of 50 km/h, sidewalks and pedestrian areas, but at a limited maximum speed of 6 km/h.
The path towards more precise regulation of electric scooters has reached a significant milestone with the approval of the new Highway Code by the Council of Ministers on 27 June 2023. This regulatory update will introduce specific directives for the circulation of electric scooters, aiming to improve road safety and the integration of these vehicles in urban mobility. However, it is important to underline that these rules still need parliamentary approval to enter into force.
What are the New Traffic Directives?
A crucial change emerges from the new rules: the introduction of the obligation to wear a helmet for every electric scooter driver. This step forward represents a significant shift from the past, where helmets were only required for minors.
The bill also establishes the obligation for mainly electric scooters to be equipped with permanent and protected identification plates. Simultaneously, the imposition of insurance for such vehicles aims to ensure greater safety and liability.
Another fundamental point of the new provisions concerns the stringent restrictions on the use of electric scooters. They will only be allowed to circulate on urban roads, respecting a maximum speed limit of 50 km/h. A marked change from the past, where access to cycle paths and other avenues was wider.
Sharing service operators are required to implement an automatic system for blocking scooters outside authorized urban areas. This measure aims to promote responsible and safe use of these means, avoiding their use in unsuitable contexts.
The ban on traffic against traffic represents a significant change compared to previous regulations, which allowed this practice only on roads with two-way cycle paths. This change is intended to enhance road safety and prevent potentially dangerous situations. With the new rules, the future of micro mobility looks more structured and oriented towards the protection of the safety of all road users.
Timing of entry into force and possible Sanctions
It is important to note that the proposed new rules are not yet in effect. They are expected to become operational by the end of 2023 once they have received final approval. Until then, it is essential to comply with the experimental legislation currently in force. Stay informed on the latest news on the regulation of electric scooters to ensure safe and effective circulation.
Adherence to the new rules for the circulation of electric scooters in Italy is becoming imperative. Those who neglect these directives expose themselves to significant financial penalties, which can reach the maximum cost of 800 euros. This emphasis on compliance underscores how crucial it is to understand and strictly comply with current regulations, in the common interest of the entire road community.
These measures, not yet in force but planned for the future, aim to promote safety and better integration of scooters into urban mobility. However, in light of this, the question arises: How will these new regulations affect the use of electric scooters in cities? Will they be enough to reduce accidents and improve road safety?
