Rome: 24h Vespa Rental & Self-Guided City Ride

Summary

Zip through Rome’s heart on a Vespa, from ancient stones to lively piazzas

You’ll ride your own 125cc Vespa through Rome’s streets for 24 hours — stopping when you want, tasting espresso or gelato along the way. With helmets, a map, and friendly local support included, you’ll see landmarks like the Colosseum and Trastevere at your own pace. There’s nothing quite like feeling Rome’s energy from two wheels.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the engine hummed under me — not loud, but steady, like it belonged to the city. We picked up our Vespa near Termini (the rental guys were patient with my rusty Italian), and right away I could smell roasted coffee drifting out from a bar nearby. Helmets on, map stuffed in my jacket pocket, we wobbled a bit at first but then found our rhythm. There’s something about seeing Rome from a scooter that makes even the traffic feel like part of the adventure.

Our local guy, Marco, handed us a phone holder (“If you get lost, just call — we’re always around,” he said) and pointed out his favorite shortcut to Trastevere. The cobblestones rattled my teeth a little but I didn’t mind; every turn was another postcard — laundry flapping above Via della Lungaretta, old men arguing about football outside tiny shops. We parked near Piazza Navona without circling for ages (honestly, that alone is worth it), then zipped off again toward the Colosseum. At one point it started to drizzle and we ducked under an awning with some other riders — everyone just nodded like we were all in on this secret club.

I kept thinking how different everything looked from behind those handlebars. The city felt smaller somehow, more reachable. When we stopped for gelato near Villa Borghese (stracciatella for me), I realized I’d forgotten about buses or taxis completely. Just us and this little red Vespa threading through centuries of history — sounds cheesy but it’s true. My hands smelled faintly of gasoline mixed with sweet pastry by evening; weird combination but I still think about that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Rome on a Vespa scooter

• Rent 125cc Vespa scooter
• Receive staff recommendations
• Ride through historic center
• Visit Colosseum and Circus Maximus
• Explore Trastevere neighborhood
• See San Pietro and Gianicolo
• Drive around Villa Borghese
• Stop at Piazza Navona and Piazza di Spagna
• Return scooter after 24 hours

Top questions

Do I need experience to rent a Vespa in Rome?

Yes, you must have prior experience driving two-wheel vehicles and a valid driving license.

Is an International Driving Permit required?

If you’re from outside the EU, you need an International Driving Permit along with your license.

How many people can ride one Vespa?

The Vespa 125cc can carry up to two people.

Is there unlimited mileage included?

Yes, unlimited mileage is included in your rental.

What if I need help during my ride?

You get free assistance within Rome’s highway belt if needed during your rental period.

Are helmets provided with the rental?

Yes, two helmets plus hygienic caps are included for safety and comfort.

Can I park easily with a Vespa in Rome?

Scooters make parking much easier than cars or taxis in central Rome.

What extras come with my Vespa rental?

A map of Rome and phone holder (subject to availability) are provided to help navigate.

What’s included

Your rental includes a 125cc Vespa scooter for up to two people with unlimited mileage, two helmets plus hygienic caps for comfort and safety, civil liability insurance with VAT covered, a security lock and chain for peace of mind when parked, free assistance within Rome’s highway belt if needed during your ride, plus a handy map of Rome and a phone holder if available so you can navigate easily as you explore all day long.