Rome: Vespa rental with helmets & insurance included

Summary

Feel the pulse of Rome as you ride your own Vespa through its streets

You’ll hop onto your own Vespa and see Rome up close — weaving through lively streets, stopping for pastries or photos whenever you feel like it. With two helmets and insurance included in your rental, you can focus on exploring side alleys or famous piazzas at your own pace. It’s a hands-on way to experience the city’s rhythm — something you’ll remember long after the ride.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — that little Vespa engine, kind of cheerful, echoing off the old stone walls near Piazza Venezia. I’d always seen those scenes in movies, but actually sitting there, helmet on (it still smelled faintly of someone else’s shampoo), felt different. The guy at the rental shop handed over the keys and grinned when I stalled it once — “Piano, piano,” he said, which I guess means “take it easy.” So yeah, not exactly Audrey Hepburn right away.

We zigzagged past parked cars and laundry flapping from balconies — honestly, Roman traffic is its own thing. My friend tried to read Google Maps out loud but kept getting distracted by gelato shops. At one red light, a woman on another scooter winked at us before speeding off toward Trastevere. There’s this weird freedom in being able to stop wherever you want; we pulled over by a bakery just because it smelled like warm bread and sugar. Ate cornetti on the curb with our helmets still on — probably looked ridiculous.

I didn’t expect to feel so connected to Rome this way. The wind carried bits of espresso and exhaust, sometimes both at once. We got lost more than once (okay, maybe three times), but that’s part of it — finding some tiny piazza with no tourists or just watching an old man water his plants above a crumbling doorway. Renting a Vespa in Rome isn’t about ticking off sights; it’s more like letting the city surprise you every few blocks. I still think about that view from Gianicolo Hill at sunset — we just sat there quietly for a while before heading back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Vespa Rental and Rome Exploration

• Rent your Vespa
• Explore Rome at your own pace

Top questions

Do I need previous experience to rent a Vespa in Rome?

Yes, previous experience riding scooters or motorcycles is required.

Is an international driver’s permit needed for non-EU citizens?

Yes, non-EU citizens must have an International Drivers Permit to rent.

What does the Vespa rental include?

The rental includes a 50cc or 125cc scooter, two helmets, insurance, and free mileage.

Can I use a debit card for payment?

No, only credit cards are accepted for renting the Vespa.

Are there public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the rental location.

Is this activity suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes rental of either a 50cc or 125cc Vespa scooter with two helmets provided for safety, full insurance coverage throughout your ride around Rome, and unlimited mileage so you can explore as much as you want before returning your keys.