Shoot the RC car for the scooters, the alarm on the policies.

The mandatory liability insurance for electric scooters has officially come into effect, raising concerns over potential premium hikes among insurers and operational challenges for operators. As of tomorrow, scooter-sharing companies must provide liability coverage similar to that required for motor vehicles, which could significantly impact their financial sustainability. Currently, less than one in ten scooters nationwide have been issued license plates, according to data from the Ministry of Transport. This low rate of compliance poses a major hurdle for enforcement, even with fines ranging from €100 to €400 for violations. The new requirement mandates that each scooter's insurance policy include the vehicle’s unique identification code, its license plate, to ensure legal validity. However, this introduces complications, particularly since many scooters lack proper documentation proving they meet regulatory standards such as CE marking, maximum speed limits, and directional indicators. Without these documents, disputes may arise during accidents, even if the scooter is properly insured. In response to the new rules, consumer advocacy groups warn of rising costs for users. The introduction of mandatory insurance for electric scooters will likely increase expenses for service providers, despite some already being registered and equipped with electronic limiters. Assosharing president Luigi Licchelli highlights the growing concern: the annual cost for operators has increased fivefold compared to private individuals, with operators facing premiums starting around €100 per unit. Meanwhile, private users pay as little as €35 annually. Licchelli notes that there has been no serious accident involving shared scooters since 2021, while incidents involving private vehicles remain more frequent. Bit Mobility estimates that the overall cost of insurance for the sector could rise from approximately €136,000 to over €2.2 million annually, threatening the economic viability of the service. This surge in costs could lead to reduced availability or higher prices for consumers, potentially affecting the long-term sustainability of shared mobility solutions. Additionally, experts from Aiped point out that determining fault in accidents involving scooters may prove more complex than with traditional vehicles, requiring detailed reconstruction of incidents. Meanwhile, the City of Milan has revoked the operating permit for Bird Rides Italy due to failure to comply with administrative requirements regarding vehicle specifications. This decision underscores the broader regulatory challenges faced by companies in adapting to evolving safety and licensing standards. Operators are now under pressure to ensure all units are properly registered, documented, and insured, adding layers of complexity to an already challenging industry landscape. As the new regulations take hold, the focus shifts toward how quickly companies can adapt and whether the financial burden will become too great. With limited compliance rates and rising insurance costs, the future of shared scooter services remains uncertain. For now, the challenge lies in balancing public safety with the economic realities of running such services.