A white Vespa can change your whole day. I like that this ride is on an automatic 1985 Piaggio Vespa PK 125 S Automatica Elestart, so you focus on the lake instead of shifting gears. I also love the free parking setup in Lake Como towns, which keeps the stress low. The main thing to plan for is ZTL, the limited traffic zones that can block you from entering parts of Milan and some village centers at certain times.

What makes this feel especially “Como” is how flexible it is. You’re not stuck on rails. You get a route style built around scenic stops and viewpoints, plus an instructor who helps you map a day that fits your pace (I’ve seen a guide named Sebastian do this with real confidence and lots of practical tips).

One more reality check: you’re driving a scooter with included third-party liability insurance, but collision/comprehensive coverage is not included. So you’ll want to feel comfortable riding first, and you’ll want to respect the rules of the road (and the limited traffic zones) to avoid fines and hassle.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Rare 1985 Vespa PK 125 S Automatica Elestart with electric start: only 14,000 made, and only 1,400 with the Elestart electric start version
• Automatic transmission plus electric start means less strain for beginners on twisting lakeside roads
• Free parking for scooters/motorbikes in all the towns, plus a free garage available in Como
• 4-hour, 8-hour, or 12–24 hour options, with optional delivery and pick-up for full-day rentals within Como province
• Up to 150 km driving included per day, with extra kilometers charged at €1/km
• No stickers or ads on the Vespa, so you look like you belong on the street, not like you rented a costume

Why an automatic 1985 Vespa feels like the most “Italian” choice

Lake Como is beautiful from the road, and it’s also the kind of place where slow travel wins. A scooter helps you do that. You can actually take the turns at a human pace, stop when you see a view worth a photo, and weave through the lakeside rhythm without fighting car traffic.

This rental uses a very specific machine: a 1985 Piaggio Vespa PK 125 S Automatica Elestart. There were only 14,000 of these ever produced, and only 1,400 had the Elestart electric start. That’s not just trivia. The electric start matters because it reduces the “mechanical friction” of starting and riding—especially if you’re new to scooters.

The automatic transmission is the other big deal. You don’t manage gears; you focus on steering, braking, and scanning the road. Even if you’re a confident traveler, there’s something calming about not adding gear work to windy, scenic roads.

Last practical point: the Vespa is designed to look clean and local. Since it has no advertising or stickers, you blend in. People tend to treat you like a normal rider rather than a walking billboard.

Choose 4 hours, 8 hours, or a full day (and match it to your goals)

You have three main time options: 4 hours, 8 hours, and 12–24 hours (full day). The included limit is up to 150 km per day, no matter which option you pick, so the longer rental works best if you plan to use the roads instead of hovering near one town.

Here’s how I’d think about it:

4 hours: best for a focused taste of the coast

A 4-hour ride is ideal if you want the classic Lake Como experience without turning your whole day into logistics. You’ll have time for scenic stops and a few village moments, but you’ll likely feel the “don’t waste daylight” pressure. Use this option when you’ve already chosen your must-see towns and you’re building the rest of your day around meals and walking.

8 hours: a smarter pace for multiple stops

An 8-hour rental is usually where the experience clicks. You get breathing room for more photo breaks and a less frantic loop. It also gives you time to work with the ZTL reality—meaning you can plan around what roads are easiest at different times of day.

12–24 hours: the best fit if you want to roam like a local

For a full-day rental, you also get free delivery and pick-up within Como province (to your desired destination). That removes one of the biggest annoyances of scooter travel: figuring out where to leave it. If you’re staying somewhere outside Como Borghi, this matters a lot.

A practical note based on how these days tend to go: if you really want to see several lakeside villages and not feel rushed, full day is the safer bet.

Meeting in Como Borghi and getting comfortable quickly

You meet your instructor at Como Borghi train station. You’ll see a white Vespa waiting. Then you get a rundown on how to operate the scooter and how to handle it on Lake Como roads.

This is a private group experience, so it’s you (and if you bring a passenger, your passenger too) rather than a crowd. That matters for beginners. When someone can answer your questions right away—like how to start smoothly, how braking feels, or what to do around tighter streets—you learn faster and you feel calmer once you’re out there.

Your instructor can speak English, Spanish, Dutch, or Italian. And in at least one memorable case, a guide named Sebastian helped shape an itinerary around preferences, not just a generic route. That kind of support is useful because Lake Como has enough scenic pull that you could easily overplan if you don’t have a simple plan.

You’ll also get a universal phone holder. Keep your phone for navigation and for quickly checking where you’re headed next. Just remember that the ride is the point, so don’t turn navigation into a distraction marathon.

The real driving rules: ZTL, helmets, fuel, and parking

Lake Como on a scooter is fun because it’s flexible. It can also get annoying if you ignore a few local rules. Here’s what to take seriously:

ZTL: avoid the fine

You can ride most places, but not through permanent and temporary ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones). Practically, this means:

• You cannot drive into the larger metropolitan area of Milan or into central Milan during restricted times.
• You also may not be able to drive through the center of small villages like Varenna when ZTL is active.

So the key is not memorizing every boundary. It’s trusting the route planning your instructor helps with, and staying alert as you get close to town centers.

Helmets are included (and they’re retro-looking)

The rental includes two Nox N243 helmets, in either British Green or Cream, with sizes S, M, L, XL. If you’re riding as a pair, that passenger gets a helmet too. The helmets are part of what makes this feel like a real rental, not a hand-me-down scooter.

Fuel: what you receive and what you must do afterward

You pick up the Vespa with a full tank of unleaded 95 gasoline mixed with 2% 2-stroke oil. Oil is provided, and you’ll get instructions. When you’re done, you should top up the tank (don’t bring it back empty and call it a day).

Parking: free in towns, easier than you expect

This is one of the easiest parts of the whole experience. Street parking for motorbikes and scooters is free around Lake Como, and there’s free parking in all the towns for scooters/motorbikes. Preferably, keep it in covered parking or your hotel garage when you can. If you’re in Como, there’s also a free garage option available for your scooter use.

What happens during the ride: photo stops and two-drop-off options

Your journey is structured in a simple, scenic way.

• Stop 1: starting/pickup location depends on your selected option.
• Stop 2: Lake Como is where you get the “this is why I came” time. Expect photo moments, sightseeing, a walk, and scenic views on the way.
• Stop 3: two drop-off locations: Como or Como Borghi.

That shape is smart. It keeps you from spending the day trapped in one single town. You get a reason to stop and look, rather than just riding straight through.

One thing I like about this format: it gives you a built-in rhythm. You’re not guessing when to take breaks. If you’re the type who wants a little control, you can still decide how long you spend at views once you’re there.

Money and insurance: where the value is, and what can surprise you

Let’s talk about value in real terms. The prices are listed as:

• 4 hours: €99
• 8 hours: €150
• 12–24 hours: €200

The summary price shown can display in USD (example: $112.15 per group up to 2), but the core rental tiers are those euro amounts.

What your money covers

Included:

• Classic Vespa rental for your chosen duration
• Helmet(s) for driver and passenger
• Third-party liability insurance
• Up to 150 km driving distance per day
• A universal phone holder

So you’re paying for the scooter, the safety gear, the core insurance protection, and the ride time.

What costs extra

Not included:

• Fuel top-up
• Entrance fees
• Meals and personal expenses
• Extra kilometers: €1 per kilometer
• Accident and collision/comprehensive insurance

This last item matters. If you’re nervous about damage or you want full peace of mind, you’ll need to consider how you’d handle that risk. The included third-party liability is helpful, but it’s not the same as collision coverage.

Also, bring €200 cash for the deposit or be ready with required identity documents. Plan for the friction of deposits so you’re not scrambling on travel day.

Zipping around Lake Como: who this suits best

This is a strong fit if you’re:

• Riding as a pair (the Vespa fits up to 2 people)
• Comfortable holding a steady pace on a scooter and watching the road closely
• Excited by scenic stops rather than museum schedules
• Hoping to explore without constant parking hassles (free scooter parking helps a lot)

It’s also a good choice if you want to look and feel like you belong. That no-sticker Vespa look makes it feel less like a rental prop.

It might not be ideal if you:

• Need to drive into the center areas blocked by ZTL, especially if your plan depends on reaching specific town centers at restricted times
• Want a driver included (no driver is included)
• Feel you need collision/comprehensive coverage as part of the standard package

Your practical checklist before you ride

If you do these basics, the day stays smooth:

• Bring your driver’s license
• A car licence (1-year driving license B) works, or a motorcycle driving license works too
• Bring an ID card (a copy is accepted)
• Pack sunglasses
• Check the weather and dress for it
• Use the included phone holder for navigation, but keep your eyes on the road
• Plan your route with ZTL in mind, especially if you’re thinking about Milan-like city driving or village centers

One more tip: if you’re choosing between 8 hours and full day, think about your appetite for villages. Lake Como is packed with “one more stop” temptation. If you want to give in to that urge, full day makes it more relaxing.

Should you book this classic Vespa rental on Lake Como?

I’d book it if you want a memorable Lake Como day that feels flexible, scenic, and low-stress on the driving side. The combination of a rare 1985 automatic Elestart Vespa, included helmets, and free parking in towns is exactly what turns a trip into a story you’ll keep replaying.

I’d think twice if your plans depend heavily on slipping into restricted town centers at any time, or if you’re uncomfortable with the fact that collision/comprehensive coverage is not included. In those cases, scooter time can still work, but your planning needs to be tighter.

If you want the best odds of a smooth ride, choose the rental length that matches how many places you truly want to see. And use your instructor’s help to shape a practical route. It’s the difference between riding past views and actually enjoying them.

FAQ

Do I need a motorbike licence to drive this Vespa?

No. Because it’s a 125cc Vespa, a car licence (1-year driving license B) is sufficient, or you can use a motorcycle driving licence.

Is the Vespa automatic?

Yes. The scooter is automatic, so you don’t shift gears.

How many people can ride?

The Vespa fits up to 2 people (driver and passenger).

Where do we meet, and where do we return the scooter?

You meet your instructor at Como Borghi train station, where you’ll see a white Vespa. The activity ends back at the meeting point. For full-day rentals, delivery and pick-up can be arranged within Como province.

Can I drive into Milan or village centers?

You can drive most places, but you must avoid permanent and temporary ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones). That means you can’t drive into parts of Milan or into some village centers (for example, Varenna) when ZTL is active.

What fuel and helmets are included?

You’ll receive the Vespa with a full tank of unleaded 95 gasoline mixed with 2% 2-stroke oil, and oil is provided with instructions for topping up. Two Nox N243 helmets are included (British Green or Cream), in sizes S, M, L, XL.

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