Can you rent a motorbike, Vespa in the Italian hill towns? Where should I search online?
Do you have to have a USA motorcycle license to rent one? How much does it usually cost?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16235 posts
Yes. They are all over the place, especially Florence.
Google NOLEGGIO VESPA FIRENZE and there will be plenty of hits
You will need a valid US driver's license (auto DL is sufficient) and an International Driver's Permit ($20 at AAA)
The cost ranges from €50 to 70 a day (so more than a car).
If you have never driven a motorcycle or scooter in the US, I'm not sure it is safe for you to try in Italy for the first time.
I've grown up riding motorcycles all my life, and it requires some skills that you cannot acquire in 5 minutes. I can assure you that when you hit the pavement of Italian roads with your nose it is just as painful as in America.
Posted by
21 posts
A few years ago we rented 250cc Vespas near Lake Trasimano. I'm pretty sure they DID want us to have MC endorsements on our licenses.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16235 posts
The motorcycle driver license is not necessary in Italy if you drive a motorcycle under 125cc. The automobile driver license will suffice for motorcycles' that size.
If you want a larger motorcycle (over 125cc) then a motorcycle license is necessary.
Posted by
Los Angeles
305 posts
We did this tour while in Florence: http://funintuscany.com/funintuscany-vespatour.php
did not need a motorcycle license and everything was provided for. It was great fun.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
You might want to verify that your US health insurance will cover you for driving a Vespa outside the US.
Better to know before you go.