Electric Scooters: Goodbye to the 'Wild West'. Here’s How to Regulate Them with License Plates, Costs, and Deadlines

Let’s come to terms with this: the era of unrestricted circulation for electric scooters is officially over. This has been under discussion for a while, amidst drafts of decrees and heated social media posts, but now it’s here. With the publication of the implementation decree (which occurred on March 18, 2026), the countdown has begun for what many are calling the "targhino".

Let’s clarify how to get moving, how much it really costs, and what the risks are if one decides to be a "smart aleck".

The Calendar

The date to circle in red on your calendar is May 16, 2026. By that day, every scooter circulating on public land must have a license plate and insurance. Essentially, you have 60 days to complete the formalities. The advice? Move quickly, because the Motor Vehicle Agency systems tend to get "clogged" as deadlines approach.

The Procedure: Everything Goes Digital

Forget long queues at the counter (at least for the initial phase). The application is done online. You’ll need to connect to the Motorist Portal and access it via SPID or CIE.

Here are the steps to follow:

The Payments:

First, you’ll need to go through PagoPA. Look for the practice code N174.

The Application:

Open a "New Request", select the competent motorization office, open a case for "Issuance of Scooter Sticker", upload the application form (this), your ID card, and the vehicle's details (brand, model, etc.).

The Pickup:

Once the practice is validated, you will still need to physically go to pick up the sticker at the Territorial Civil Motorization or rely on a vehicle practice agency (clearly with a surcharge for the service).

How Much Does It Cost to Get in Line?

Let's talk numbers. It’s not a prohibitive expense, but it’s still a charge to consider:

€8.66 for the cost of the physical sticker;
€10.20 for motorization fees;
€16.00 for stamp duty.

The total is nearly €35, to which you’ll need to add the cost of the liability insurance premium, which will vary based on the company you choose. Initial estimates range between about €40 and €100 annually, depending on the coverage.

Where to Stick It?

The license plate is a 5x6 cm laminated sticker. It must be applied visibly and permanently: the ideal position is on the rear fender. If your model doesn’t allow it, you can place it on the steering column, provided it’s between 20 and 120 cm from the ground.

The Technical 'Check-up': Is Your Scooter Compliant?

Be careful, because having the license plate isn’t enough if the vehicle doesn’t comply with the new technical specifications. To circulate legally in 2026, the scooter must have:

Brakes: An independent braking system on both wheels.
Lights and Turn Signals: Mandatory turn signal lights and a rear brake light.
Sound Signaler: The classic bell or horn.
Speed Limiter: It must not exceed 20 km/h (and 6 km/h in pedestrian areas).
Power: The maximum allowed power is 500 W.

What’s at Stake (the Penalties)

Here, the legislator hasn’t been lenient. If you are stopped without a license plate or with an unreadable plate, the fine ranges from €100 to €400. Even worse if you lack insurance: in that case, in addition to the heavy administrative penalty, the seizure of the vehicle is triggered. Also remember that wearing a helmet is now mandatory for everyone, regardless of age.