Vespa Rentals in Rome

Vespa rentals in Rome are a great experience for visitors to the Eternal City and finding the right one for you can make a great vacation even better.

There is a very long cultural love affair that Italians have with the Vespa and it isn’t hard to understand why. After the destruction of World War II, the manufacturing capabilities in Italy were understandably limited and the production of these modest empowering machines were perfect for the Italian market that longed for mobility and adventure, but with a limited budget. The Vespa was not just a scooter, but a symbol of hope and freedom for the youth culture, for both men and women, which was new in Italy.

By 2003 more than 16 million Vespa motor scooters had been made by Piaggio in thirteen countries and sold around the world. The total number of Vespa scooters sold in the world by 2021 is over 19 million units. Over the years, Piaggio has launched more than 100 different models. Due to its low price and very popular appeal, it became a prime object of desire for young, working adults.

The iconic nature of the Vespa and its appreciation in Hollywood has provided Piaggio with some powerful advertising. Roman Holiday, the fantastic 1953 romantic comedy starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, is said to have been worth 100,000 sales. Hilary Duff said “The back of the Vespa was a really important moment for me.” in reference to The Lizzie McGuire movie from 2003. Even films based outside of Italy like American Graffiti and Quadrophenia helped spread the popularity of these scooters worldwide. 

If you are driving around Tuscany, you should consider checking out the Piaggio Museum in Pontedera. It was inaugurated in 2000 and was created to preserve and highlight the value and the historic legacy of one of the oldest Italian companies, which of course includes a large collection of Vespas!

Vespa Rentals in Rome Are For You

If you want to rent a Vespa in Rome and experience the same exhilaration as Audrey Hepburn or Hilary Duff you can and should. There are many companies that can provide this service, but I want to focus on two different types of experiences with Vespas and two companies that can provide them.

The first style of entertainment is to drive yourself around the city. You can either rent the Vespa per day with current prices at Bici & Baci currently ranging from 45€ to 80€ per day, depending on the type of scooter. One of the options for the type of scooter you can choose is from the Street Art category which caught my eye a few years back with their fantastic graphic art. One particular favorite of mine is designed to look like a watermelon.

Vespa Touring In Rome

If you want to drive yourself, but would prefer some guidance on where to go and what you are seeing, you can try the option of the Guided Tour also with Bici & Baci. These range from 120€ to 155€ depending on what you would like to see. This scooter rental place located at Termini Station has four stores in Rome.

The second style of Vespa rental, if you are at all hesitant about driving yourself around the city, could be to rent the services of a Vespa with a sidecar. Doesn’t it sound fantastic to sit back, relax and enjoy your ride on the uniquely designed Vespa Sidecar through the eternal beauty of Rome? The Vespa Sidecar Tour  offers private tours, driven by a guide with you in the sidecar, that range from 90€ to 120€ for a 3 hour tour with prices depending on the size of your party. Depending on the length of the tour, it can also include a cappuccino, a cornetto, some gelato and possibly a glass of Prosecco, since you aren’t driving!

Questions About Renting A Vespa In Rome

Are there special licenses needed for driving a Vespa?

• To rent and ride a scooter in Rome, all you need is a valid driver’s license, a sense of adventure, and a good dose of common sense.  

How old do you need to be to rent a Vespa?

• Most rental places, even if you have a valid international driver’s permit, won’t rent a motorbike to you if you are under 18 years old.

How much does it cost to rent a Vespa?

• I have detailed above some of the prices that my favorite rental places cost, but as they say, your mileage may vary. It seems to depend on how long you want one, the engine size and the style.

Is renting a Vespa safe/legal/good?

• This is totally dependent on you and your abilities. You should watch out for wet cobblestones, potholes, restricted traffic areas, and other drivers. Helmets, however, are very much required and recommended.

What documentation is required to rent a Vespa?

• The requirements for a scooter rental vary between rental places, but legally, you’ll need a credit card for the security deposit, a European drivers license B (for cars) or an International Driver’s Permit.
• If you’re from outside Europe, you can get an International Driver’s Permit before you leave your home country. As long as you have a license in your home state or country, you can get this permit, which is recognized as valid in over 175 countries. When I got mine, I just went to my local AAA office and it was quite easy. You can drive a scooter up to 125cc with no special license required. 

Other Information About Getting Around Rome

• A Rome Scooter Rental Guide For Your Vacation Planning.
• Easily Navigate Rome By Subway.
• Getting Around Rome On Buses.
• A Taxi In Rome Is Easy To Find With This Travel Guide.
• Scooters In Rome Are A Problem That Needs Attention.
• Car Sharing In Rome – Useful Facts That You Need To Know.
• Your Rome Bike Rental Options Are Easy With This Guide.
• The Autogrill In Italy Is A Treat On Your Next Vacation.
• Leonardo Express Tickets And Times To The Rome Airport.
• Your Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport Travel Guide.
• Rome Travel Safety Tips To Avoid Problems On Your Next Visit.

The philosophy behind Vespa rentals in Rome is to enjoy the journey and the stunning views that it has to offer. They will leave you breathless if you let them!