Neighbors' electricity bills are now compulsory.

Starting today, electric scooters in Italy must carry mandatory insurance, according to reports from local media. The requirement covers damage caused to third parties during operation and damage to other vehicles. Failure to obtain insurance could result in fines ranging from 100 to 400 euros. Despite efforts by authorities to enforce this new rule, concerns remain over insufficient enforcement on Italian roads. The regulation applies to more than 800,000 electric scooters, which owners were required to register by May. However, as of now, only about one-fifth of these vehicles have received identification numbers from the relevant transport authority. Registration is a prerequisite for obtaining insurance, meaning that the majority of electric scooters remain unregistered and thus uninsured. This situation has raised alarms among officials and consumer protection groups alike. Gabriele Melluso, president of the consumer protection association Assoutenti, has criticized the lack of adequate road control in Italy. He pointed out that users already violate numerous traffic rules, such as riding without a helmet. Electric scooters, he added, often exceed the permitted speed limit of 20 kilometers per hour, sometimes significantly. These violations highlight broader issues with compliance and oversight in the growing market for personal mobility devices. In Slovenia, the requirements for electric scooters differ slightly. There is no need for registration, although riders under 18 years old must wear helmets. The maximum allowed speed is 25 kilometers per hour. If a scooter exceeds this limit, whether through modification or app settings, it is classified as an unregistered moped. In such cases, police can seize the vehicle, and the rider faces a fine of 500 euros. The disparity in regulations between neighboring countries underscores the challenges faced by policymakers in managing the increasing popularity of electric scooters. While Italy has taken steps to impose stricter controls, including mandatory insurance, enforcement remains inconsistent. Meanwhile, Slovenia maintains a less restrictive approach, focusing instead on basic safety measures such as helmet use and speed limits. As the number of electric scooters continues to rise, both nations face the challenge of balancing innovation with public safety. The Italian government’s push for insurance reflects a growing awareness of the risks associated with these vehicles, particularly in urban areas where they are increasingly common. However, without effective enforcement mechanisms, the success of such policies remains uncertain. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that all electric scooters meet legal standards before hitting the roads.