Scooter Rental in Rome?
 

Is renting a scooter in Rome (for just one day out of a 5 day visit) a good idea (in December)?
I have visions of a 'Roman Holiday' experience, and was wondering what people thought.
Can anyone suggest a rental place/ how much it would cost?
Thanks.

Hi pi,

Unless you already have a lot of experience on motorcyces and scooters (and even then I wouldn't recommend it) renting a scooter in any Italian city is extremely contraindicated.

Pi,

After spending 10 glorious days in the Eternal City, I would have to agree with Ira. Don't rent a scooter unless you have a death wish!

In fact, the crazy traffic was the only real negative in Rome that I can think of. Also bear in mind that a lot of the narrow, quaint cobblestoned Roman streets do not have sidewalks, so you'd have to dodge both pedestrians and cars trying to squeeze through.

If you want a Roman Holiday experience (without the vespa!), check out this site. I made a copy of it and brought it along on the trip: http://slowtrav.com/italy/rome/vs_roman_holiday.htm

We visited the Mouth of Truth in the portico of Santa Maria in Cosmedin where there was a short line for that ultimate Kodak moment, so to speak. But it was worth it!

I also visited Joe Bradley's bachelor apartment on Via Margutta - okay, I wasn't inside but stood on the very spot where Princess Ann and Joe said their first goodbyes. If the street door is open, you can take in the courtyard. Joe's apartment would have been to your left and up the stairs. The place looks pretty much like it did in the movie and had a wonderful ambience, especially in the twilight.

Have a wonderful time in Rome! Can't wait to return.

This is a great idea - as long as you

are a very confident and experienced rider

have a lot of experience riding in a big city with heavy traffic (like NYC - not Peoria)

are absolutely fearless (ie beat the NYC cabbies out for open spots) and recognize traffic rules are suggestions ony in Rome (ie - there are prctically no traffic lights, intersections are run on the "chicken" system and parking on the sidewalk is just fine)

Do you want a "scooter" as in Vespa or do you want what some of us also refer to as a "scooter" i.e., a Hog?

You can easily rent either in Rome; the Hog's are a bit pricier but you get a wide birth from others when you are on one.

Experience is one thing, thinking you are James Dean because you are mounted up is something else. I didn't find traffic to be any worse than some other places I've ridden but you cannot count on people obeying signs or laws, much less giving turn signals. Of course, that happens in a lot of places.

Good luck. Sit on the sidelines or get into the game.

Thanks for the responses.
I meant a Vespa.

I'm with the majority of previous posters and would offer a discouraging word.....Don't! The Vespa operators in Rome march (read that, "ride") to a different drummer!
Viewing the Roman Holiday experience it may seem like a simple, romantic lark. But, remember, that was a movie....far removed from the reality of driving any sort of vehicle, especially a two-wheeler, in Rome today.

I'd do it in a second, and will, the next time I have a chance.

Cut from a different cloth? yes, maybe. Good life insurance, uh-huh. Reckless to the point of careless, maybe. Had a good life already anyhow? Absolutely.

Ever seen a serious sccoter traffic accident in Rome? Nope. Never.

Best wishes,

Rex

When i visited Rome back in May 2000 I hadn't been on a vespa/scooter/minibike since my teenage days. My friend convinced me to try it - and it was fabulous - no broken bones - and no close calls. A lot of fun - just take your time. I recommedn it highly.

... I'd do it (as the lady passenger in the "sissy seat"). At dawn. Otherwise, yesindeedydo, any other time of day, I'd be terrified.

Dont forget that Roman Holiday, is a very old movie and back then the traffic in comparition of today congestions, were minimum..

Wouldn't it be fun though, if we lived through it. I would love to rent a vespa and scoot around Roma, what a thrill that would be. With a little real time encouragement I would do it too.