The new Italian Road Code brings substantial changes to the use of bicycles and e-scooters, effective from December 14, 2024. While the government prescribes these regulations as measures to promote safety and sustainable mobility, the alterations have sparked dissatisfaction among e-scooter users and environmental advocates alike.
One of the new rules mandates cyclists to maintain visibility, requiring them to use daytime lights even under low-light conditions, which critics claim complicates everyday use without concrete support to ease adoption. Another adjustment suggests stricter cycling spaces: cyclists will no longer have access to bus lanes, thereby limiting safe travel options in congested urban areas.
Perhaps one of the most contentious aspects of the new regulations centers on electric scooters. From December 14, riders will be required to wear helmets, carry insurance, and register their vehicles with the newly established identification known as 'targhino'. Violations can lead to fines of up to 400 euros for not wearing helmets or lacking registration.
Despite the purported safety benefits, the practical enforcement of these new regulations remains questionable. According to Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, "Fino a 400 euro di multa se non si indossa il casco sul monopattino e fino ad altri 400 euro se non si possiede la targa.” This statement emphasizes the government's strong stand yet reveals the possible financial burden on users.
Weighing on the responsibilities of e-scooter users, the government argues for the necessity of safety rules. The minister stated, "Se esistono le regole per gli altri veicoli, per i monopattini non può esserci anarchia, perché rischi di farti male e fare male agli altri." This indication of solidarity with motor vehicle regulations aims at increasing accountability and safety on the streets.
Ironically, the restrictions coincide with the recent plateauing of the e-scooter market, which, according to the National Observatory on Sharing Mobility, remains stable with revenue around 178 million euros as of 2023. With some operators leaving the Italian market amid these increased constraints, industry experts warn about the sustainability of shared e-scooter services. Implementation of these measures could have dire consequences, with predictions of job losses around 3,000 as operators reconsider their commitment to this space.
Internationally, Italy appears to be taking stricter measures than its European neighbors. France has already set precedents by imposing helmet laws for cyclists and limiting e-scooter restrictions. Following their referendums, some cities have entirely banned e-scooter rentals, citing safety concerns for pedestrians—particularly the elderly. Spain's capital, Madrid, echoes similar sentiments, restricting e-scooter availability due to safety compliance issues.
Despite these challenges, discussions about Italy's new Road Code continue to focus on promoting safety. Experts express concerns about faulty implementation methods and the lack of clarity surrounding necessary decrees for enforcing helmet and registration requirements. Luigi Altamura, the Commander of Municipal Police of Verona, noted, “Serve infatti un decreto,” highlighting the bureaucratic delays challenging the new laws.
The participation of the public and experts remains divided, as many hope for more investments toward functional infrastructure alongside the new rules. E-scooter users express frustration; they argue these stringent regulations fail to accommodate their needs as sustainable transportation users.
By focusing primarily on regulations rather than enhancement of cycling and e-scooter infrastructure, skeptics warn against creating obstacles for those who prefer greener commuting options. While safety remains of utmost priority, one question arises: how effective are these new rules if they serve to deter people from using environmentally friendly transportation modes?
The impending deadlines for comprehensive enactments of the e-scooter regulations settled for December 14, 2024, leave stakeholders and users waiting for certainty. The recent policy changes present potential risks and challenges but could, theoretically, pave the way toward safer streets, provided they are implemented sensibly and effectively over time.
