The word motorino in Italy usually refers to a 50cc scooter or small motorcycle. It is one of the most common ways Italians, especially younger people, get around cities. Famous brands like Vespa and Lambretta made the motorino a cultural icon, and renting one is often seen as a classic Italian travel experience.
For more information about vehicles and mobility, see our main guide to Transport in Italy.
Table of Contents
- What is a motorino?
- Italian brands: Vespa and Lambretta
- Driving license requirements
- Renting a motorino in Italy
- Where you can and cannot drive
- Dangers and safety considerations
- Key takeaways
- See Also
What is a motorino?
In Italy, motorino is a generic term for a small scooter or light motorcycle. Typically, this means a 50cc engine with limited top speed. These vehicles are compact, easy to park, and widely used in Italian towns where streets are narrow and traffic is heavy.
The term is often used informally, but in legal terms, motorini belong to the broader category of mopeds and light motorcycles.
Italian brands: Vespa and Lambretta
When people think of Italian scooters, two names stand out:
- Vespa – Produced by Piaggio since 1946, Vespa is perhaps the most famous scooter brand in the world. Its design has become a symbol of Italian style.
- Lambretta – Another historic Italian scooter, particularly popular in the 1950s and 1960s, still appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts today.
Both brands contribute to the association of Italy with scooter culture, and modern rentals often feature Vespa models.
Driving license requirements
To legally drive a motorino in Italy, the requirements depend on engine size:
- 50cc scooters (motorini):
- Minimum age: 14.
- Requires an AM license (or any higher category license such as B).
- Maximum speed: 45 km/h.
- Allowed only on local roads, not on highways (autostrade) or major extra-urban roads.
- 125cc scooters:
- Minimum age: 16.
- Requires an A1 license (or category B license for residents who obtained it before 1986).
- Can use faster roads, but still excluded from highways.
- Above 125cc (A2 or A licenses):
- Minimum age: 18 or 20 depending on engine power.
- These scooters and motorcycles can access all roads, including highways.
For foreigners, most valid EU/EEA licenses are recognized in Italy. Non-EU visitors typically need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their home license.
For more details on licensing rules, see our step-by-step guide: How to Get a Driver’s License in Italy.
Renting a motorino in Italy
Renting a scooter is a common option for tourists, particularly in cities like Rome, Florence, and along the Amalfi Coast. Rental conditions usually include:
- Age requirement: 18+ (some companies require 21+ for larger scooters).
- License:
- For 50cc motorini: car license (category B) is usually enough.
- For 125cc or higher: motorcycle license required.
- Deposit and insurance: A credit card deposit and basic insurance are standard. Optional full coverage is often offered.
- Helmet: Mandatory by law for both driver and passenger.
Always check rental terms carefully, especially regarding license categories and insurance coverage.
Where you can and cannot drive
- Allowed: city streets, rural local roads, coastal routes, and smaller towns.
- Not allowed for 50cc motorini: highways (Autostrade), ring roads around large cities, and fast extra-urban roads (strade extraurbane principali).
- Permitted for larger scooters: with the correct license, you may use national roads and highways.
This means a 50cc motorino is suitable only for short trips within towns or nearby areas, not for long-distance travel.
Dangers and safety considerations
Italian traffic can be challenging, especially for those not used to local driving styles. Key risks include:
- Aggressive urban driving – Cars often change lanes quickly and may not leave much space for scooters.
- Cobblestones and uneven roads – Common in historic centers, these can make riding unstable.
- Mountain and coastal roads – Beautiful routes, such as the Amalfi Coast or Ligurian cliffs, can be dangerous due to narrow curves, heavy traffic, and lack of barriers.
- Weather – Rain makes Italian roads slippery, especially in cities with polished stone surfaces.
If you are not experienced with scooters, renting a motorino in a busy city may not be advisable. In that case, consider using Buses and coaches in Italy or Trains in Italy for safer intercity travel.
Key takeaways
- A motorino is a 50cc scooter, widely used in Italian cities.
- Vespa and Lambretta are the most famous Italian scooter brands.
- Driving requirements vary by engine size: 50cc needs AM license, 125cc needs A1, larger scooters require A2/A.
- Rentals require the correct license, insurance, and helmet use.
- 50cc scooters are not allowed on highways or major extra-urban roads.
- Italian traffic and certain roads can be dangerous, so caution is essential.
Traveling by motorino can be a memorable Italian experience, but only if you are confident, licensed, and aware of the risks.