Where, Why, & How to Rent a Scooter in Rome | Solo Female Travel

Ah, Rome – the city of permanence has a permanent place in all our hearts. So, roam around Rome on a scooter if you wish to explore the Italian city like a local. I bet it will be one of your most treasured non-tourist activities in the city as a solo traveller. Renting a scooter in Rome is fairly easy—all you need is the right knowledge about Vespa (scooter) rentals in Rome. And, of course, how to ride a scooter in Rome! 

In this blog post, I have answered where, why, and how to rent a scooter in Rome. Hopefully, by the end of this post, you will have a clearer idea about scooter rental in Rome. So, let’s begin the ride.

1. Why rent a scooter in Rome

Renting and riding a scooter in Rome comes under the adventurous things to do in Italy. Why? Here are a bunch of reasons apart from living your Audrey Hepburn moment of “Roman Holiday”:

• Convenience: Scooters are smaller and more agile than cars. That means navigating through Rome’s narrow streets and tight corners is easier. You can also avoid traffic jams and save time compared to driving a car or taking public transportation in the city.

• Cost-effective: Whether you pick a classic Italian Vespa, an electric scooter, or a basic one, it will be cheaper than renting a car or taking taxis. Thus, it will help you not overdo your budget. Especially if you are in for more than three days in Rome, long-term scooter rental is your best solution.

• Freedom and flexibility: With a scooter, you can explore the city at your own pace and schedule. You can stop anywhere to take pictures, visit places off the beaten path and experience the city from a new perspective. 

• Adventure: Renting a scooter can add an element of adventure to your trip. You can explore parts of Rome that you might not otherwise see. So, be ready for an adventurous exploration on an intimate and immersive level.

2. Where to rent a scooter in Rome

Now that you know the perks of renting a scooter in Rome, let me take you through where you can rent it in Rome, Italy. You can book scooters both online and offline in the city. The best scooter or Vespa rentals in Rome, along with some guided tours, are as follows:

Bici & Baci

Being one of the well-known rental companies in Rome, Bici & Baci is the perfect choice for scooter enthusiasts. The company has been offering both bike and scooter rentals since 1997. However, recently they have introduced e-bike rental as well. You can easily find this rental shop near the Colosseum, Repubblica, and Piazza di Spagna.

If you are yet to plan your bike tour in Rome, you can opt for their guided tours. A Vespa – grand tour of Rome will cost you €125. An e-bike tour of the Roman highlights starts at €35.

Roma Rent Scooter

You will find Roma Rent Scooter in the city’s heart. To be more accurate, the shop is in Via del Paradiso. They have quite a few options for tourists to choose from. You can either rent a Honda, Piaggio, Yamaha, or Kymco.

Cooltra

If you are looking for easy-to-book scooter rentals in Rome, Cooltra is your saviour. It is a European rental company with a location in Rome. They offer a variety of scooter models and provide extras like helmets, top cases, etc.

All you have to do is select the shop at your convenience, choose your scooter model and the extras you require, and it’s done. And the best part – all of this can also be done online, and the rental price includes the cost of insurance too. 

Treno E Scooter

In front of the well-known Termini station, you will come across Treno E Scooter. It is the first and only intermodal rental company in Rome. They are open seven days a week to offer services. 

Scooteroma

If you do not know how to ride a scooter, do not worry. You can still enjoy roaming the city on a scooter, and that’s what Scooteroma is known for. This rental company offers guided tours on vintage-style scooters, rendering it a feeling of travelling with a local.

By the way, they also have a sister company – Personalised Italy, where you can get a fun and unique itinerary to see the city.

3. How to rent a scooter in Rome

Renting a scooter in Rome is relatively straightforward. But you should follow a few steps to ensure the best rental experience possible. Here is my step-by-step guide to renting a scooter in Rome:

Find a rental company: Research rental companies online or ask your hotel or hostel in Rome for recommendations. Choose a company with good reviews. 

Make a reservation: Once you’ve found a rental company, provide the rental company with the dates and times you want to rent the scooter.

Provide your documents: When you arrive to pick up your scooter, you must provide a valid driver’s license from your home country or an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). Some rental companies may also require a credit card for a deposit. Apart from that, the rental company may also take a copy of your passport or other identification. Make sure to carry these documents with you when you go to pick up your scooter.

Complete the paperwork: When you arrive at the rental shop, you must complete some paperwork. These include a rental agreement and liability waiver. Read the terms and conditions carefully and clear your doubts on the spot.

Payment: After that, it is time for payment. You’ll typically be required to pay the rental fee upfront and a deposit that will be returned to you when you return the scooter.

Receive instructions: Then, the rental company will provide instructions on operating the scooter, including any road rules you need to know.

Check the scooter: Before you take the scooter out, do a thorough check to make sure everything is in working order. Check the brakes, the tires, the lights, and the horn. Take note of any damage to the scooter, and point it out to the rental company if necessary.

Enjoy your ride: With your rental agreement signed, payment made, and the scooter checked, you’re ready to hit the road and explore Rome on your scooter.

4. What is the cost of renting a scooter in Rome?

The cost of renting a scooter in Rome depends on several factors, such as the rental company, the type of scooter, the rental period, and the time of year. On average, you can expect to pay around €30 to €70 per day for a basic 50cc scooter. Larger scooters or Vespas can cost more, up to €80 or €120 per day.

5. Security deposit for a scooter 

You will somewhere have to pay between €200 to €500. The deposit is usually held on a credit card. However, it is refunded when the scooter is returned in the same condition.

6. Where to park your scooter in Rome

Rome is known for its strict parking regulations and limited parking space. That said, there are several options for parking your scooter in the city. These include designated parking areas, paid parking garages, and street parking in designated areas. Do look for signs where scooters are allowed to park. 

7. Is it good to ride a scooter in Rome?

Rome can be a good place to drive a scooter or Vespa, but it is important to know the traffic conditions and potential hazards. The streets in Rome are narrow and crowded. And traffic can be chaotic, especially during peak hours. So, with careful driving, good situational awareness, and knowledge of the traffic rules, driving a scooter in Rome will be a doddle.

With that, we have come to an end. To sum it up, renting a scooter in Rome will make your solo trip cost-effective, adventurous, and a one-of-a-kind experience.

You can rent a scooter on an hourly basis or day. Always wear a helmet and follow the road rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride in Rome. You can also refer to my blog post to find the Italian cities where you can ride a scooter.