Scooters and IDP

The rules did change on these in the last 10 years. And it depends on the country and the size of the CC of the Scooter, or if it is an EV. . So there is no way to answer a blanket question, with out looking up each country you are visiting. If any one requires, then you'll have to have an IDP any way. I have a whole stack of these things. Valid for only one year. I do consider this a bit of a scam on the part of AAA and other agencies, since my US Driver's License has always been the same for 25 years.

Spain wants an IDP. So you might as well get one. And your 2023 permit might just be entirely valid again in 2028. ;)

Thank you for the reply. it comes as no real surprise, but I thought I would throw out the question, to confirm.
You all are always helpful!!

It's funny. When I ready "scooter" I assumed you meant the electric ones that you now see everywhere. But you mean a Vespa-like vehicle, which I would call a moped to distinguish.

In Amsterdam I would rent a bicycle though, not a moped. No need for a licence there.

we may rent scooters

two very different modes of transport sharing the same name - the urban small stand-on small wheeled street hired by app electric whizzy things - or the petrol (usually), much faster, sit on for one or two, much larger wheels, sometimes known as Vespas, hired from brick and mortar shops...

Which did you mean?

Thanks All
I was referring to petrol powered (vespas). I am not sure if I will be renting, just wanted to have the documents in hand it I do.
And yes. Bicycles in AMS for sure!

I’m not an IDP fan, but it only endorses what your driving license says, e.g. if your license is endorsed for motorcycles or delivery vans then the IDP is valid for those too. Not sure what the cutoff is in engine size for vespas with needing a motorcycle endorsement, I suppose every country is different.

IDP is a worthless document for Americans in much of Europe, but certainly so in Ireland and probably Netherlands. This list of 13 European countries where lack of an IDP for Americans may result in rental car refusal at pick up looks pretty good by my experience https://www.tripsavvy.com/drivers-permit-europe-468475

One other little tid bit is that A roads have limitations. We always rent a 250 CC or better motorcycle, usually 650 CC, so if we need to, we can always use the A roads.