Lake Como: 4, 8, or 24-Hour Classic Vespa Rental & Delivery

The star here is a rare 1985 Piaggio Vespa PK 125 S Automatica Elestart, one of only about 1,400 made with both electric start and automatic transmission. You get the old Italian look without learning a clutch, and the Vespa carries two people.

I like the freedom to stop in small lakeside towns, plus the useful local route help from Sebastian, also called Seb. I also like the free scooter parking around Lake Como and the two retro Nox helmets included. The main drawback is that a four-hour rental can feel short when roads are winding and every village invites a stop.

Key points to know before booking

• Rare automatic Vespa: Ride a 1985 classic with electric start and no gears to change.
• Three rental lengths: Pick four hours, eight hours, or a 12 to 24-hour rental.
• Two people per scooter: A passenger can ride behind the driver, with two helmets supplied.
• Up to 150 kilometers included: Extra distance costs €1 per kilometer.
• Free parking: Scooters and motorbikes can park free around Lake Como.
• Full-day delivery: Rentals of 12 hours or longer can be delivered and collected within Como province.

Why this Vespa makes Lake Como feel different

Lake Como is famous for grand villas, steep hills, ferry rides, and postcard villages. A Vespa lets you connect those places at your own pace. You can pull over for a photo, stop for a short walk, or pass through a town without worrying about finding a full-size parking space.

The scooter is not a modern rental dressed up with a few retro details. It is a genuine 1985 Piaggio Vespa PK 125 S Automatica Elestart. Only about 14,000 PK 125 S Automatica scooters were produced, and roughly 1,400 had the unusual combination of electric start and automatic transmission.

That combination matters. Classic scooters can be charming but awkward for first-time riders if they use a clutch or foot gears. This one starts electrically and uses an automatic transmission, so you can focus on steering, braking, traffic, and the scenery.

The Vespa is kept without advertising or stickers. That small detail helps the ride feel less like a standard rental and more like your own temporary Italian wheels. You still need to ride responsibly, of course, but the plain bodywork makes the experience feel more local.

Meeting at Como Borghi and getting started

For shorter rentals, you meet the instructor at Como Borghi train station. Look for the white Vespa waiting there. The instructor explains how to operate it before you set off, including the basic controls and practical riding points.

This briefing is especially useful if you have not ridden a scooter recently. The automatic setup is simple, but Lake Como is not a place where you want to learn by trial and error on a busy road. Use the time to ask about braking, starting, parking, fuel, and the best route for your rental length.

Sebastian, also called Seb, is the person to ask for route help. He has helped riders shape an itinerary around their interests and pointed out places worth stopping for views. That advice can save time, especially on a four-hour booking, when a poorly planned route could leave you rushing back.

The experience is a private group booking, so you are not joining a large guided convoy. There is no driver included. You drive the Vespa yourself, with the instructor helping you get ready before departure.

Choosing between four, eight, and 24 hours

The four-hour rental costs €99, the eight-hour option costs €150, and the 12 to 24-hour choice costs €200. The advertised starting price is about $112.15 per group of up to two people, but the exact amount can vary with the selected duration and booking currency.

For two people, the price compares well with many paid sightseeing activities because it covers the scooter rather than charging per rider. Still, you need to add fuel and remember that accident, collision, and comprehensive insurance are not included.

Four hours works if you want a taste of the experience and a limited ride from Como. It gives you enough time to learn the Vespa, get out onto the lake roads, make several photo stops, and return without giving up an entire day. One rider found four hours sufficient for covering good ground, but another felt that a full day would be better because there is so much to see.

Eight hours is the sensible middle choice for many people. You have time for a longer stretch of lakeside road, a meal, several walks, and a more relaxed pace. You can stop without feeling that every photograph is eating into your return time.

Twelve to 24 hours gives the most freedom. The published full-day rate is €200, and the scooter can be delivered and collected from your destination within Como province. That is useful if you are staying in a hotel or apartment away from Como Borghi station. You can also book several consecutive days.

The rental includes up to 150 kilometers per day. That is a generous allowance for a sightseeing day, but watch your distance if you book multiple days or make a long circuit. Extra kilometers cost €1 each, so check the odometer and plan with a little room to spare.

What the ride around Lake Como is really like

The route is not a fixed guided circuit. You choose your direction and stops, with the lake itself serving as the main sightseeing area. Expect photo stops, scenic roads, short walks, and views across the water as you move among the towns.

The Vespa suits this kind of outing because it lets you pull over more easily than a car. You can pause for a view, leave the scooter in a permitted motorbike space, and walk a short distance without hunting for a large parking lot.

That freedom comes with responsibility. You cannot drive into permanent or temporary ZTL areas, which are restricted traffic zones. This includes central areas in some small villages, such as Varenna when its restrictions are active, as well as the larger metropolitan Milan area and center.

Pay close attention to signs. A ZTL may be temporary, and fines can follow if you enter at the wrong time. Ask for current route advice before leaving, and do not assume that a road open to cars is automatically open to your Vespa.

Parking is one of the biggest practical advantages

Parking can shape an entire day around Lake Como. A car may require a formal car park or a long walk from the center, while motorbikes and scooters can park free around the lake.

That does not mean you can leave the Vespa anywhere. Use legal scooter or motorbike spaces, and follow local signs. For overnight storage, the preferred option is a covered parking space or garage at your hotel or apartment.

If you need a secure base in Como, the provider has a garage available for free. Full-day renters can ask for delivery to their accommodation or another destination within Como province, then arrange collection there. If you do not communicate a specific pickup or drop-off point in advance, or if you stay outside the service area, the default location is Como Borghi train station.

Helmets, fuel, and what is included

The rental includes two retro-looking Nox N243 helmets. They come in British Green or Cream, with sizes S, M, L, and XL. You should give accurate sizes when booking or confirm them before the rental begins.

A universal phone holder is also included. That is useful for navigation, but keep your attention on the road and pull over before checking your route. A phone holder does not replace a proper plan, especially with ZTL restrictions around the lake.

The Vespa arrives with a full tank of unleaded 95 petrol mixed with 2 percent two-stroke oil. Oil is provided, and instructions are given. You pay for the fuel you use and should top up before returning the scooter.

The included insurance is third-party liability insurance. Accident, collision, and comprehensive cover are not included. Read the rental conditions carefully and ask what financial responsibility applies before you start the engine.

Bring your driving license, an identity card or passport, and sunglasses. A copy of your identity document is accepted. A €200 cash deposit may be required, or you may provide an identity document or passport as specified by the operator.

Who can drive the Vespa

You do not need a separate motorbike license for this rental if you meet the stated car-license requirement. A car license held for at least one year, known as a B license, or a motorcycle license is suitable.

The Vespa carries up to two people. That makes the listed group price more attractive for a couple, since both of you share one scooter rather than paying separate rider fees. The driver must meet the license rules, and the passenger needs a helmet as well.

This is not a chauffeur service. You are responsible for driving, route choices, parking, fuel, and staying out of restricted zones. If you are uneasy on two wheels, the short briefing may help, but it does not turn the activity into a supervised riding lesson.

The best way to plan your time

Start with the rental length, then build a route that leaves time for stops. A four-hour booking should not try to cover every corner of the lake. Choose a smaller area and enjoy it rather than spending the whole rental watching the clock.

For eight hours, you can plan a more ambitious outing with several villages and walking breaks. Keep an eye on the time needed to return the Vespa, especially if roads are slow or you stop often for photos.

A full-day booking works best if you want a relaxed schedule or if you are staying outside central Como. Delivery and pickup remove the need to return to the station during the day, and consecutive-day bookings let you explore in smaller sections.

I would ask Sebastian or the instructor for a route suited to your confidence and interests. The local advice is one of the most useful parts of the experience. It can help you find scenic stopping points while steering you away from active ZTL areas.

Weather and road comfort

Check the forecast before you book and dress for the weather. You are exposed to sun, wind, and rain on a scooter, and the lake roads can feel cooler than expected.

Sunglasses are listed among the items to bring. Wear clothing that lets you move comfortably and shoes suitable for controlling and balancing the scooter. The supplied helmets protect your head, but they do not replace sensible clothing or careful riding.

An open-air ride is part of the appeal, but bad weather can change the day quickly. The free cancellation policy allows you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so keep that deadline in mind when watching the forecast.

What riders consistently praise

The strongest part of the experience is the Vespa itself. Its rarity, clean condition, electric start, and automatic transmission give you something more special than a basic scooter rental.

The second strength is the personal help at the start. Sebastian has been praised for being friendly, clear, and willing to help shape a route around your plans. That matters at Lake Como, where a little local guidance can prevent wasted time.

The ride is also beginner-friendly by scooter standards. The automatic controls make it easier to concentrate on the road, and riders have found the Vespa smooth and easy to handle. You still need confidence in traffic and on winding roads, but you do not need to master gears first.

Finally, the experience gives you real independence. You are not following a flag or moving from one fixed stop to another. You can decide how long to stay, where to take photos, and when to turn back.

Who should book it, and who should skip it

Book this if you want an active way to see Lake Como, like classic Italian design, and feel comfortable driving yourself. It is especially good for couples, since one Vespa carries two people and the price applies to a group of up to two.

Choose the eight-hour or full-day option if you want more than a brief taste. The four-hour rental offers good value for a focused outing, but the lake has enough villages, roads, and viewpoints to make a longer booking worthwhile.

Skip it if you want a fully guided tour, a driver, or guaranteed access through village centers. Also think twice if you are not comfortable on a scooter, since the instructor explains the Vespa but does not drive for you.

For most confident drivers, I would choose eight hours for a first visit and the full-day option if delivery is convenient. You get the rare Vespa, useful route help, free scooter parking, and enough time to make the ride feel like part of your Lake Como experience rather than a quick photo stop.

FAQ

How long can I rent the Vespa?

You can choose a four-hour, eight-hour, or 12 to 24-hour rental. You can also book the Vespa for multiple consecutive days.

How many people can ride one Vespa?

The Vespa carries up to two people. Two helmets are included.

Do I need a motorcycle license?

A car license held for at least one year, known as a B license, is suitable. A motorcycle license is also accepted.

Is the Vespa automatic?

Yes. The Vespa has an automatic transmission and an electric start, so you do not need to change gears.

Where do I collect the Vespa?

For standard arrangements, you meet the instructor at Como Borghi train station. You will see a white Vespa waiting there.

Can the Vespa be delivered to my accommodation?

For rentals lasting 12 to 24 hours or longer, delivery and pickup are available within Como province. If no location is arranged in advance, the default pickup and return point is Como Borghi train station.

What is included in the rental?

The rental includes the Vespa for your chosen duration, two helmets, third-party liability insurance, up to 150 kilometers per day, and a universal phone holder. Fuel, entrance fees, meals, personal expenses, and extra kilometers are not included.