Skateboarders, compulsory insurance starts tomorrow: the costs and risks of riding without one

Starting Thursday, July 16, private owners of electric scooters in Italy must obtain mandatory third-party liability insurance, marking a new phase in road safety regulations. The measure affects approximately one million scooter owners nationwide, requiring them to secure coverage under the updated Road Code introduced late last year. According to Assoutenti, a consumer association, standard family insurance policies will not suffice, as the policy must include the vehicle's identification code. A ministerial circular issued April 24 outlines a two-year transition period during which traditional compensation methods will remain in place instead of direct insurance payouts. This interim period aims to track actual accident costs through semiannual data reports from the Insurance Supervisory Authority (Ivass), which will help establish a national flat-rate system. The new insurance requirement is projected to cost Italian scooter owners around 50 million euros annually, with base package prices ranging from 35 to 55 euros per year. Additional coverage options can push the price up to 150 euros. Those who ignore the regulation face fines ranging from 100 to 400 euros. Gabriele Melluso, president of Assoutenti, warns of potential chaos on the roads due to limited enforcement capabilities, noting current difficulties in ensuring basic rules such as helmet use and prohibitions against riding with two passengers are followed. He urges authorities to monitor the market to prevent price speculation and regional disparities in insurance pricing. The regulation significantly impacts the shared mobility sector, affecting nearly 60,000 scooters available for short-term rental. These vehicles already meet the requirements set forth by the new Road Code, including license plates, third-party liability insurance, and digital speed limiters. However, Assosharing, an industry association representing shared mobility providers, highlights a paradox: despite being the most regulated and compliant sector, it faces the heaviest financial burden from the new rules. Luigi Licchelli, president of Assosharing, explains that users of shared scooters need take no action, as operators already provide license plates and insurance. The issue lies in transitioning from previous civil liability coverage to the new motor vehicle insurance policies, which has increased annual costs for operators by up to five times, even with identical insurance limits. This surge in expenses threatens the entire shared mobility ecosystem, encompassing bicycles, motorcycles, and cars, while failing to deliver the enhanced pedestrian protections initially anticipated. Licchelli points out the disparity between costs imposed on companies and individuals. While a private user pays between 35 and 55 euros annually for a basic policy, companies are charged roughly 100 euros per vehicle. This discrepancy is viewed as unjustified, given that commercial vehicles undergo daily maintenance, have remotely managed speed limits, and operate under strict municipal oversight. In response, Assosharing supports Ivass and Antitrust’s investigation into the insurance sector, seeing it as a crucial step toward clarifying how insurers determine pricing parameters. Ivass has announced its participation in these proceedings to protect the interests of the shared mobility sector, which includes approximately 110,000 vehicles. The association anticipates significant consequences from rising costs, which will inevitably affect customers.