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

Lake Como is especially good from the seat of a Vespa, and this one is not a modern rental scooter with bright advertising stuck to its sides. You ride a 1985 Piaggio Vespa PK 125 S Automatica Elestart, a rare model with an electric starter and automatic transmission. It carries two people, looks wonderfully local, and gives you the freedom to stop in small lakeside towns without hunting for a car park.

I like the easy automatic handling and the free scooter parking around Lake Como. I also like the personal help from Sebastian, who can explain the Vespa and suggest an itinerary based on your interests. The main drawback is that the four-hour option can feel short once you allow time for winding roads, photo stops, and village walks. You also need a full year of driving experience with a category B car licence, and collision cover is not included.

Key points to know before you book

• Rare 1985 automatic Vespa: Only about 1,400 Elestart versions were produced, making this a distinctive ride rather than a standard scooter hire.
• Three rental lengths: Choose four hours, eight hours, or 12 to 24 hours, with multiple consecutive days possible.
• Two people can ride: The Vespa is suitable for a driver and one passenger, with two retro-style Nox N243 helmets included.
• Local help at Como Borghi: Sebastian meets you, explains the controls, and can help shape a practical route.
• Up to 150 kilometres per day: Extra distance costs €1 per kilometre, so keep an eye on your mileage.
• Long rentals include delivery: For bookings of 12 hours or longer, delivery and collection are available within Como province.

Why this Vespa makes Lake Como more fun

Lake Como is famous for grand villas, steep hills, elegant towns, and roads that follow the water. A car gives you comfort, but it also gives you parking problems. The Vespa solves part of that problem. You can use free scooter parking in the towns and pull over more easily for a viewpoint or a quick photograph.

The ride has a strong sense of place. This is an original-style classic Vespa, without advertising or stickers, so you do not look like you have just arrived from a rental counter. The model was produced in 1985, and the Elestart version is unusual because it combines an electric starter with automatic transmission. Only around 14,000 of the wider Vespa PK 125 S Automatica model were made, with about 1,400 using the Elestart setup.

That rarity matters most if you enjoy objects with a story. You are not simply hiring two wheels. You are using a small piece of Italian design history, while still getting the convenience of a modern automatic scooter. The Vespa is reported to be in excellent condition, but it remains a classic machine. Treat it gently, follow the handover instructions, and do not expect the hard-edged performance of a new motorcycle.

Meeting Sebastian at Como Borghi station

The standard meeting point is Como Borghi train station. Look for the white Vespa, where your instructor will greet you and run through the controls before you set off. This is an important part of the experience, especially if you have not ridden an automatic scooter before.

Sebastian has been particularly helpful with route planning. Before the rental, he can discuss what you want to see and suggest stops that fit your available time. That advice is useful at Lake Como because the map can look deceptively simple. A short distance on paper may take much longer on winding roads, especially when you add photographs, coffee, and village walks.

You should arrive with your driving licence and an identity document. A copy of your ID is accepted, and you need either a motorcycle licence or a category B car licence held for at least one year. No driver is provided, so you must be comfortable taking responsibility for the Vespa yourself.

The handover also covers fuel, parking, and the controls. The Vespa uses unleaded 95 petrol mixed with 2 percent two-stroke oil. Oil is provided, and you receive the scooter with a full tank. You are expected to replace the fuel you use, so ask for clear instructions before leaving.

Four hours, eight hours, or a full day

The four-hour rental costs €99, the eight-hour option costs €150, and the 12 to 24-hour option costs €200. The headline price is also shown from $112.15 per group of up to two, but the euro rates are the useful figures for comparing the choices. Fuel, entrance fees, meals, personal spending, and extra kilometres are not included.

The four-hour rental is a sensible choice if you are staying in Como and want a taste of the lake without giving up a full day. It gives you enough time to learn the Vespa, cover some ground, stop for views, and visit a few places. You will need to keep the route focused. Trying to circle the entire lake in four hours would turn the ride into a race, which is the wrong way to enjoy it.

The eight-hour rental offers better value if you want a relaxed day with several stops. You have more room for a lakeside meal, a village walk, and delays caused by traffic or photographs. For many people, this is the best balance between cost and useful riding time.

The 12 to 24-hour rental is the strongest option for anyone who wants to explore without watching the clock. Delivery and collection are included within Como province for rentals of this length, provided you give the operator your destination in advance. You may also book several consecutive days. That makes this option useful if your accommodation is away from the standard meeting point or if you want to split your sightseeing across different routes.

The rental includes up to 150 kilometres per day. Extra kilometres cost €1 each, so plan with some care if you are booking multiple days. A longer rental is not automatically better if you do not intend to ride far, but it gives you the most freedom and the least pressure.

Following Lake Como at your own pace

The route is not a guided convoy. After the instruction session, you ride independently and choose where to stop. That suits you if you like making your own decisions rather than following a guide through a fixed timetable.

The main experience is the road itself. You can follow the lake, pause for scenic views, walk through villages, and choose your own balance between riding and sightseeing. The itinerary allows for photo stops, sightseeing, walks, and views along the way, but it does not lock you into named attractions or pre-booked entrances.

That flexibility is valuable at Lake Como. One person may want photographs and quiet viewpoints. Another may care more about village streets and a long lunch. You can adjust the day as you go, within the limits of your rental period and the local traffic rules.

The most useful planning tip is to avoid overloading your route. Lake Como rewards short stops, not a frantic checklist. If you choose four hours, pick one main direction and a small number of places. With eight hours or more, you can make the ride feel like a proper day out.

Parking without the usual Lake Como headache

Parking is one of the best practical reasons to choose a scooter here. Street parking for scooters and motorbikes is free around Lake Como, and the Vespa can use free parking in the towns. You should still park responsibly and follow any local signs.

For a full-day rental, the preferred arrangement is a covered parking place or garage at your hotel or apartment. A free garage in Como is also available. Ask about this during the handover if you do not have suitable parking where you are staying.

The scooter is easier to place than a car, but you still need to protect it. A covered spot is preferable, especially overnight. Delivery and collection may save you a transfer to Como Borghi, but only if your destination is within Como province and you provide the details before the rental starts.

ZTL rules require close attention

The biggest driving caution is the ZTL, or limited traffic zone. You cannot enter permanent or temporary ZTL areas. That includes the larger metropolitan Milan area and some village centres, such as central Varenna when a restriction is active.

ZTL rules can change by place and time. Do not assume that a road is open simply because another scooter is using it. Ask for route advice, watch the signs, and keep away from restricted centres unless you know the zone is open.

This is one reason the handover matters. Sebastian can point out the areas to avoid and help you form a route that does not depend on driving through a village centre. A fine would quickly wipe out the value of the rental, so caution is cheaper than guesswork.

What it is like for a first-time scooter rider

The automatic transmission is friendly to beginners. You do not shift gears, and the electric starter removes one of the small annoyances associated with older scooters. The controls are simple enough to learn during the briefing, and the Vespa is described as easy to handle.

Still, easy does not mean risk-free. You are riding on winding roads and sharing space with other traffic. You should be confident on two wheels before taking a passenger, and you should allow extra time to get comfortable before heading onto busier roads.

The Vespa fits up to two people. Two retro-looking Nox N243 helmets are included, in British Green or Cream, with sizes S, M, L, and XL. Sunglasses are worth bringing, and you should dress for the weather. A jacket or extra layer can make a major difference once you are moving beside the lake.

The universal phone holder is included, which helps with navigation. Keep your attention on the road rather than treating the phone as a live tour guide. Set your route before riding and stop safely if you need to check directions.

Insurance, deposit, and extra costs

Third-party liability insurance is included. This protects against liability to other people, but it is not the same as accident and collision cover. Comprehensive or collision insurance is not included, so you should understand your responsibility for damage before setting off.

A €200 cash deposit may be required, unless you provide an identity document or passport as requested by the operator. Clarify the exact handover requirement when you book, and bring the necessary document or cash so there is no delay.

Your main additional costs are fuel, entrance fees, meals, personal expenses, and extra kilometres. Fuel is supplied at the start, but you top it up at the end. The 150-kilometre daily allowance is generous for a focused ride, but the €1 per kilometre charge makes it worth checking your planned distance.

Is the price good value?

At €99 for four hours, the rental is not the cheapest way to move around Lake Como. You are paying for a rare classic Vespa, two helmets, insurance, a phone holder, parking advantages, and the freedom to set your own route. You are also paying for a personal handover and practical advice rather than a simple key exchange.

The value improves with the longer options. At €150 for eight hours, you gain much more time for only €51 more than the four-hour rental. The €200 full-day rate is sensible if you want delivery, collection, or a slower day with several stops.

I would choose four hours if you are testing the idea or have a packed itinerary. I would choose eight hours if you want the best mix of cost and freedom. I would choose 12 to 24 hours if the Vespa is one of the main experiences of your Lake Como visit.

Who should book this ride?

You should book it if you enjoy independent sightseeing, classic vehicles, and scenic roads. It is especially good for a couple, since the Vespa carries two people and the cost is per group rather than per rider.

It also suits anyone who finds standard sightseeing buses too rigid. You decide when to stop, how long to stay, and which views matter to you. The lack of stickers and the classic styling add a little charm without turning the ride into a staged photo opportunity.

You should think twice if you dislike riding, feel nervous carrying a passenger, or want full collision protection included. It is also a poor choice for anyone who wants to drive freely through restricted historic centres. ZTL rules are part of the deal, not a minor footnote.

The experience has received an overall rating of 5 from 11 ratings, with repeated praise for the Vespa’s condition, its easy automatic controls, and Sebastian’s care before and during the rental. The most useful practical message is that four hours works, but a full day gives you more time to enjoy the lake instead of measuring every stop.

Should you book the classic Vespa rental?

Book it if you want a personal, flexible way to see Lake Como and you are legally qualified and comfortable riding a scooter. The rare automatic Vespa, free parking, and route help make this more than basic transport.

Choose eight hours for a relaxed single-day plan. Choose the full-day option if delivery matters or you want to keep the Vespa overnight. Skip it if you need a driver, comprehensive insurance, or a tightly structured guided tour. For the right rider, this is one of the more memorable ways to connect Como’s roads, villages, and views.

FAQ

Where does the Vespa rental begin?

The standard meeting point is Como Borghi train station. You will find a white Vespa there, and the instructor will explain how to operate it before you leave.

How long can I rent the Vespa?

You can choose a four-hour, eight-hour, or 12 to 24-hour rental. Multiple consecutive days are also possible.

Can two people ride the Vespa?

Yes. The Vespa accommodates up to two people, including the driver and one passenger.

Do I need a motorcycle licence?

No. A category B car licence held for at least one year is suitable, or you can use a motorcycle licence.

Is the Vespa automatic?

Yes. The 1985 Piaggio Vespa PK 125 S Automatica Elestart has an automatic transmission and electric start.

Are helmets included?

Yes. Two retro-style Nox N243 helmets are included. They are available in sizes S, M, L, and XL.

Can I drive through every part of Lake Como?

No. You must avoid permanent and temporary ZTL areas, including restricted centres such as Varenna when a ZTL is active. You also cannot drive into the larger metropolitan Milan area or centre.

Is fuel included?

The Vespa is supplied with a full tank of unleaded 95 petrol mixed with 2 percent two-stroke oil. You must replace the fuel you use, while the oil is provided.

Is delivery available?

Delivery and collection are available within Como province for rentals lasting 12 to 24 hours or longer. If no destination is provided in advance, or you are outside the service area, the standard meeting point is Como Borghi train station.