Just look around to notice it: the micromobility and the new sustainable trend which is revolutionizing the way we move around cities. Thanks to the use of electrified or semi-electrified means of transport, such as scooters and e-bikes, there were 133.4 million km traveled with vehicle sharing in 2022, and 2023 is crunching equally important numbers. In this way it is possible to travel short or medium distances in a faster, more economical and ecological way.
A growing trend also in Italy, thanks to the increasingly numerous presence of scooters, e-bikes, overboards and electric segways. According to the infographic “Micromobility in Italy and in the world: rise and trend of e-bikes and scooters” created by Acea Energia, in fact, last year there were 35 million rentalswith a +113% increase only in the city of Milano.
These numbers demonstrate the importance of micro-mobility as a solution for more sustainable transport and the growing awareness of Italians on the need to reduce pollution and improve air quality in metropolises. In this regard, the numbers speak for themselves: there are already 62 Italian cities that have at least one sharing mobility servicewith an average frequency of 55 rentals per minute.
However, to support the spread of micro-mobility, it is essential to follow the right infrastructure and rules to ensure the safety of drivers and other road users. In Europe, each country has its own specific legislation and so does Italy. In our country, in particular, it is obligatory:
• Casco for drivers under the age of 18 (EN 1078 or EN 1080)
• Maximum speed allowed: 20km/h on the road, 6km/h in pedestrian areas
Starting from 14 years of ageInstead:
• Obligation to circulate on cycle pathsif available
• Traffic prohibited on sidewalksbut in pedestrian areas yes
As confirmation of the greater attention that has been placed on the subject lately, the recent decree of the Ministry of Infrastructures has inserted new rules for electric scooters. Among these, the obligation of arrows and the obligatory double brake on both wheels; a maximum power of 0.50 kW for each vehicle; dimensions that do not exceed 2 meters in length and 75 cm in width and, finally, a maximum weight of the scooter not exceeding 40 kg.